The Republic consists of twelve provinces and one autonomous territory. No codified constitution exists and the parliament is officially sovereign, making it the most powerful body in the three-branch government. The Parliament consists of two houses, the lower House of Delegates and the upper House of Senate. Delegates are elected and Senators are appointed for life terms, comparable to the former US Supreme Court. The executive branch of government consists of the ceremonial President and the head of government Prime Minister who he appoints with advice from the House of Delegates. The judicial branch is led by a Chief Judge and consists of District Courts and the Supreme Court