Jordan

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy based on the constitution promulgated on January 8, 1952. Executive authority is vested in the king and his council of ministers. The king signs and executes all laws. His veto power may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the National Assembly. He appoints and may dismiss all judges by decree, approves amendments to the constitution, declares war, and commands the armed forces. Cabinet decisions, court judgments, and the national currency are issued in his name. The council of ministers, led by a prime minister, is appointed by the king, who may dismiss other cabinet members at the prime minister’s request. The cabinet is responsible to the Chamber of Deputies on matters of general policy and can be forced to resign by a two-thirds vote of “no confidence” by that body

The constitution provides for three categories of courts: civil, religious, and special. Administratively, Jordan is divided into twelve governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.

The Royal Armed Forces and General Intelligence Department of Jordan are under the control of the king.
       

With the break-up of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, the League of Nations created French Mandate Syria and British Mandate Palestine. 80% of the British Mandate of Palestine was East of the Jordan river, or “Transjordan” (as opposed to “Cisjordan”). In 1921, the British gave semi-autonomous control of Transjordan to the Hashemite family, who had lost their civil war with the House of Saud for control of Mecca and Medina.

The Hashemites continued to rule Transjordan until after World War II. In 1946, the British requested that the United Nations approve an end to British Mandate rule in Transjordan Palestine. Following this approval, the Parliament proclaimed King Abdullah the first ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.