State in Croatia

The official name of Croatia is the Republic of Croatia, or Republika Hrvatska. It is a sovereign, democratic republic governed under its Constitution and laws. The Constitution is the highest basic legal act. It defines the organization of the state, protects fundamental rights, and establishes limits on public authority. State power is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This division helps prevent one institution from controlling every public decision. The Hrvatski sabor exercises legislative power by debating and passing laws and adopting the state budget. The Government exercises executive power by directing policy, proposing many laws, and managing national administration. The President represents the Republic and performs constitutional duties, including duties connected with foreign affairs and defence. The courts exercise judicial power independently and decide cases through legal procedures. Ministries and other public bodies carry out administrative work. They issue decisions, maintain official records, supervise regulated activities, and deliver services within powers granted by law. Croatia also has counties, cities, and municipalities with elected self-government. These authorities handle local or regional matters assigned to them, while central state bodies remain responsible for national functions. People interact with the state through documents, registries, taxes, schools, healthcare institutions, social services, police, courts, and administrative procedures. A person affected by an official decision can generally expect a written basis and an available form of review under the applicable procedure. The Croatian state provides continuity, common rules, public infrastructure, and protection of rights. Its authority is limited by the Constitution, laws, judicial oversight, institutional checks, and the rights of individuals.