Belgium is a constitutional, representative, and hereditary monarchy.
Succession to the throne is determined by primogeniture. The present
ruler is King Albert II. The Belgian constitution was promulgated
in 1831 and revised in 1893, 1921, 1970, 1971, 1980, 1989, and 1993.
The reforms of the 1970s and afterward gradually transformed Belgium
into a federal country, giving the majority of essential governmental
powers to the three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
Belgium has devised a two-tiered system of regional government
to address political and cultural differences. Each of the three
federal regions elects its own council, which is responsible for
territorial matters such as planning, transportation, water, energy,
municipalities, and regional development.
There are also independent language councils for the Dutch-, French-,
and German-speaking communities. These councils are in charge of
education, health care, and communications (such as broadcasting)
for the communities. Each of the ten provinces has a council of
50 to 90 members who are chosen by direct vote.
The provinces are subdivided into administrative districts, often
based in cities and towns, called communes. Each commune is administered
by a burgomaster appointed by the king. The town council, directly
elected to six-year terms, advises the king on this appointment.
The council elects an executive body called the board of aldermen.
Local government on all levels possesses a large degree of autonomy,
a tradition that originated in feudal times.