Qatar is an emirate with a conventional hereditary system. It is ruled by the Al Thani family whose presence in the peninsula dates from the eighteenth century. The Al Thani are named after the doyen of the family Sheikh Thani bin Mohamed who is the father of Sheikh Mohamed bin Thani, the first ruler of the Qatar peninsula in the mid nineteenth century. Al Thani are a branch of the Arab tribe of Beni Tameem.

The Emir is the head of state. In accordance with the modified provisional constitution, the Emir decrees laws on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers and after consultation with the Advisory Council. The Council of Ministers, appointed by an Emiri decree, is the highest executive authority in the land. However, laws are not enacted until after Emiri consent.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council first met on 15 May 1972. It was formed according to the Modified Provisional Constitution, which was enacted in 1972. The Council comprises 35 members who must be wise, sensible, and competent and represent one of the social sectors or the country’s regions. The Council is the country’s first democratic experiment since independence in 1971. It debates all issues of public interest submitted by the Government whether political, administrative, economic, legal or legislative. The Emir regularly takes consideration of the Council’s views and recommendations before making his final decision.

Permanent Committees

The Advisory Council has the following five permanent committees,
· Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee
· Financial and Economic Affairs Committee
· Public Services Committee
· Internal and External Affairs Committee
· Cultural Affairs and Information Committee

Council Operation

The council debates matters that are referred to it by the Council of Ministers, like new legislation, amendments to existing legislation or other business. The Council also debates matters proposed by its own members. Often, members of the Council of Ministers participate in debates to effect an optimal level of transparency and clarity.

The Council also, through its various committees, addresses the country's internal affairs, the budgets of large Government projects, drafts of proposed legislation and the general policy of the state. The Advisory Council can request the Council of Ministers to submit data and information relating to any subject that falls under its jurisdiction. It can also request any Minister to submit detailed information regarding items handled by his Ministry. No Council member may face trial because of any views expressed by him in the Council, unless he has defamed or libelled another person.

Council of Ministers

The current Government consist of the following ministries,

The Council also includes, in addition to ministers of the above ministries, a number of ministers without portfolio.

The Council operates on the concept of ministerial joint accountability to HH the Emir. The ministers are concerned with executing the state's policies and achieving the maximum possible social, cultural and administrative development for the country.

The ministers propose draft laws, regulations and by-laws prepared by their respective ministries. They also monitor the application of the laws, regulations and legal judgments in addition to monitoring the state's expenditure. They also prepare the draft state budget and adopt the necessary measures to ensure the state security and public order. The ministers also, within their jurisdiction, safeguard the state's interest abroad including establishing international relations according to law.