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The historic institution of the Arengo, originally an assembly of family heads as we have already said, delegated its authority to the Great and General Council; today the Arengo is the electoral body.  At Arengo meetings, usually convened twice a year (the Sunday after the investiture of the Captains Regent), the citizens of San Marino have the right to present proposals and requests of public interest to the Great and General Council.

Legislative power is exercised by the Great and General Council composed of 60 members.  This is elected by the people every five years.  In particular, the Council approves the budget and nominates the Captains Regent, Heads of State and of the Executive, who have a mandate of power for six months (the investiture ceremony of the Captains Regent takes place on 1st April and 1st October every year).

Executive power is wielded by the State Congress composed of three Secretaries (Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs - Secretary of State for Internal Affairs  and Civil Defence - Secretary of State for Finance, Budget and Programming, Information and Relations with the State Philatelic and Numismatic Office) and of seven Ministers, in charge of the following Ministries: Education, Culture, University and justice - Territory, Environment and Agriculture - Health and Social Security - Trade and Relations with the "Azienda Autonoma di Stato di Produzione" and with the Town Councils -  Communication, Transport, Relations with the "Azienda  Autonoma di Stato" for Services, Tourism and Sport - Industry and Crafts - Labour and Cooperation. 

The territory of San Marino is divided into nine Townships which correspond to the old parishes of the Republie.  In every Township there is a Council chaired by a Captain, elected every five years. The Council of Twelve, elected by the Great and General Council for the duration of the Legislature, is a jurisdictional body which also functions as a Court of Appeal in 3rd instance. Two Government Inspectors represent the State legally in financial and patrimonial questions.