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Politics of Bhutan takes place in a framework of a traditional Absolute Monarchy , developping into a Constitutional Monarchy . The King Of Bhutan is Head Of State . Executive Power is exercised by the Lhengye Shungtsog , the council of ministers. Legislative Power is vested in both the Government and the National Assembly . Political parties are prohibited. SOVEREIGNITY The Bhutanese people have historically never had doubts about their nation's sovereignty. Bhutan in fact has never been colonized. However, to the outside world, namely India and before that the British Raj, Bhutan was viewed as less than sovereign for their own geopolitical interests. Bhutan was treated as a Suzerainty by the British Raj , during which time a Monarchy was set up and 'allowed' it to administer Bhutan's internal affairs. Foreign and defence policy was decided by the British. This did not mean so much to the Bhutanese however due to their policy of self-imposed isolation. In 1949, after Indian Independence , Bhutan and India agreed to a ten-article, perpetual treaty which effectively continued the relationship, but with India taking the place of the United Kingdom as the imperial power. That is, India agreed not to interfere in Bhutan's internal relations, while Bhutan agreed "to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations" (Article 2). The treaty also established free trade and full extradition between the two countries. While Bhutan sees its destiny as being closely linked with that of India, for which reason it strives to promote excellent relations with it, it has also quietly striven to assert its sovereignty at the same time. Article 2 of the 1949 Treaty is now almost totally ignored by both countries as Bhutan confidently handles all of its foreign affairs, including the sensitive border demarcation talks with China. EXECUTIVE BRANCH
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