Full Independence was achieved on November 3, 1978.

Dominica is a Republic with a non-executive presidency and parliamentary government. It has a unicameral House of assembly with 30 members (21 elected, 9 appointed). Elections are held every five years, with universal suffrage for adults (18 over). The House of assembly elected the President for not more than two terms of five years. He or she appoints the prime Minister who consults the President in appointing other ministers.

Dominica is also a member of the United Nations, Organisation of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community and a number of other regional and international organisations.