The Hong Kong operates as a special administrative regions (SARs) in the People’s Republic of China.  Hong Kong is responsible for it’s judicial and court system, immigration, customs, currency, and other duties.  China controls diplomatic relations and national defense.  Public polls in Hong Kong have shown that the general population is satisfied with the freedoms allowed the region and with China’s influence over policies.

Hong Kong continued using English common law after it was handed over to China.  The Basic Law of Hong Kong serves as a mini-constitution of the region. The basic laws provide constitutional protection on fundamental human rights and freedoms.  Hong Kong is a member of the World Trade Organization separate from China, and is one of the members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Hong Kong is headed by its Chief Executive, a position currently held by Donald Tsang.  The Chief Executive is elected by an 800-member Election Committee. All citizens 18 years of age and older are eligible for the direct elections.  The election committee is drawn from municipal and central government leaders as well as the general populace.

The Legislative Council is the legislative branch of the government, and its members are elected to four year terms both by the public and by special electoral committees.  The judicial branch consists of a series of courts, with the Court of Final Appeal filling a similar role to the US’s Supreme Court.