In this article we will tell you something about the government of Monaco.The principality of Monaco was an absolute monarchy until 1910. A monarch was the governor of Monaco. Prince Albert was the first monarch who made a constitution in 1911, which was changed in 1917. Prince Louis II confirmed this constitution in 1933. Prince Rainier III changed the constitution in 1962.The constitution of 1962 said that the successor of the throne has to be someone who is a descendant of the family of the ruling prince. An adopted child is the successor if there are not any direct descendants. The monarch takes care that the relations between the other foreign countries are good and he signs the acts.

The minister of the state who is assisted by the council, leads the management. The monarch chooses from a list containing the names of three French diplomats, one person who will be the minister of state. He also chooses three council members. One person who takes care of the economy and finances, one for Home Affairs and one for social affairs. The minister of state and his three council members have to account for their acts to the monarch.

The National Council

This is a group of 18 people who are chosen once in five years to represent their people. The voters are at least 21 years old and have had the Monegasque nationality for five years. The candidates have to be older than 25 years. The legislature is executed by the monarch and the National Council. This council also votes about the allocation of the budget. There are two meetings a year, but the council can be summoned for a special meeting by the monarch.

There are seven people with a Monegasque Nationality in this council, who are chosen by the monarch. The sovereign chooses the president and three members. Important persons of the National Council choose the other members.The council has at least two meetings a year. They then discuss important problems of the state.

Companies have to pay tax over their turnover if they are foreign for 25 % , the date of reckoning being 1963 and after. Since 1 January 1993 there has been a tax, which amounts to 33,33 %.

The political relations between France and Monaco are defined by a treaty of 27 July 1918 and article 436 of the "Peace Of Versailles" (18 July 1919). A two-sided relation between Monaco and France was established. It is stated that France protects Monaco's independence and sovereignty and that Monaco has a special relationship with France. The government has to try to make their rights the same as the French rights. New treaties were signed after the Second World War in 1945 and in 1951. The target was to make some changes in these agreements. They can create their own economic and social conditions.

Monaco has been a member of the United Nations since 1993. Other organisations Monaco is a member of are: the International Telecommunication Union, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations for Education, Culture and Science, the International Atom Power Treaty and many more.

The Grimaldis have been living in Monaco since 1297. The Grimaldis were originally an influential family, who lived in the neighbourhood of Genoa. Francois Grimaldi took possession of the fortress of Monaco on 8 January 1297. After Francois Grimaldi had taken it, it was a long time before a very famous person held Monaco. The man to do so is well known by many people. He was Prins Rainier III.

Prins Rainier became prince of Monaco on the 9th of May 1949. One of the most important events in the history of Monaco is the first constitution. That's one of the important things that he had made for Monaco.He takes care of good relationships between France and the other countries.The Principality became a member of many international organisations such as the United States on the 28th of May 1993. Prince Rainier III takes care that the health care is protected. He also sees to it that the infrastructure is up-to-date for tourism and that there are techinical facilities to hold international and professional conferences in Monaco. In order to develop tourism and business activities he encourages and promotes the industry and service sectors, because they provide the major earnings of Monaco. The Grimaldis had a party on the rock of Monaco in 1997 to celebrate their 700 year anniversary.They wil celebrate this year that Prince Rainier has enjoyed the power over Monaco for 50 years, a man who has definite ideas about the future of Monaco.