Government of Hong Kong

Regional_Emblem_of_Hong_Kong

= Government of Hong Kong =

The Government of Hong Kong is the executive authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. Established on 1 July 1997, following the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China, the government operates under the principle of "one country, two systems", which allows Hong Kong to maintain a separate legal and economic system from that of mainland China.

Structure

The Government of Hong Kong is headed by the Chief Executive, who is the head of the HKSAR and is responsible for the implementation of the Basic Law. The Chief Executive is supported by the Executive Council, which functions as a cabinet.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is composed of several key officials and departments:

• Chief Secretary for Administration
• Financial Secretary
• Secretary for Justice

These officials oversee various policy bureaux and departments, which are responsible for different areas of public administration.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong (LegCo) is the unicameral legislature of the HKSAR. It is responsible for enacting, amending, and repealing laws, examining and approving budgets, and monitoring the performance of the government.

Judicial Branch

The judiciary of Hong Kong is independent from the executive and legislative branches. The Court of Final Appeal is the highest court, followed by the High Court, which includes the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance.

Law and Order

Hong Kong maintains a separate legal system from mainland China, based on the English common law system. The Hong Kong Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, while the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) tackles corruption.

Economy

The government plays a significant role in the economy of Hong Kong, which is characterized by low taxation, free trade, and minimal government intervention. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is the de facto central bank, responsible for maintaining monetary stability.

Public Services

The government provides a range of public services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare. The Hospital Authority manages public hospitals and healthcare services, while the Education Bureau oversees the education system.

Related Pages

• Chief Executive of Hong Kong
• Legislative Council of Hong Kong
• Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong)
• Hong Kong Police Force
• Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)
• Hong Kong Monetary Authority
• Hospital Authority (Hong Kong)
• Education Bureau (Hong Kong)