State in Jordan

Jordan's official name is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is a unitary state, meaning that national authority is not divided among separate states with their own constitutions. The Constitution is the basic framework of the state. It describes the monarchy, the legislative and executive authorities, the judiciary, public rights, and the way institutions relate to one another. The King is the head of state and represents continuity of the Hashemite monarchy. The executive branch includes the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, ministries, departments, and other public bodies. The legislative authority includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together they form the National Assembly and take part in making laws, reviewing budgets, and overseeing government work. Courts apply the law and settle disputes. Jordan has different judicial paths for ordinary civil and criminal matters, administrative disputes, and certain religious personal-status matters, so the correct court depends on the case. Jordan is divided into governorates, commonly called muhafazat. Governors represent central authority locally, while municipalities and other local bodies manage defined community services and local development tasks. The armed forces, police, civil defense services, and other security institutions protect public order and national security under the state framework. Their powers are governed by law and are distinct from the everyday service roles of ministries and municipalities. People usually meet the state through identity documents, schools, hospitals, permits, courts, taxes, utilities, or municipal services. Because responsibilities are divided among institutions, finding the correct office is often the most important first step.