Kerala operates under a parliamentary system of representative democracy, similar to other Indian states. The executive branch is headed by the Chief Minister, who leads the Council of Ministers, while the Governor serves as the ceremonial head of state appointed by the President of India.
The state legislature is unicameral, consisting of the Kerala Legislative Assembly (Niyamasabha) with 140 elected members. Administratively, Kerala is divided into 14 districts, which are further subdivided into taluks and villages. The state is internationally recognized for its robust decentralized governance, empowering local self-governments (Panchayats) with significant administrative and financial autonomy to manage public health, sanitation, and local infrastructure.