Constitutional Framework
The House of Assembly, established under Chapter IV of the Constitution of Anguilla, serves as the island's legislative body. The Constitution mandates that there shall be a House of Assembly for Anguilla, composed of the Speaker, two ex officio members (the Attorney General and the Deputy Governor), and not fewer than seven members elected in the manner provided by law.
Under Chapter V of the Constitution, the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Assembly, has the authority to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of Anguilla. This collaborative legislative process ensures that lawmaking reflects both democratic representation and constitutional oversight, safeguarding the interests of Anguilla's people within the established legal framework.
The Constitution also grants the Assembly authority to regulate its own proceedings through rules of procedure. Subject to constitutional provisions and any Instructions under Her Majesty's Sign Manual and Signet, the Assembly may make, amend, and revoke rules for the regulation and orderly conduct of its proceedings, the dispatch of business, and the passing, intituling, and numbering of Bills for presentation to the Governor for assent. However, these procedural rules have no effect until the Governor, acting in his discretion, approves them in writing.
Together, these constitutional provisions establish a framework that balances democratic governance with constitutional authority, ensuring that the Assembly's work serves the peace, order, and good government of Anguilla while maintaining proper oversight and procedural integrity.
Anguilla Constitution Order, 1982
Anguilla Constitution (Amendment) Order 2019
Anguilla Constitution (Amendment) Order 2020