These civic exercises build understanding of how Malta governs itself — from the constitutional role of the President to the Local Council responsible for your street. This knowledge helps you navigate Maltese bureaucracy and participate as an informed resident.
Use this page to practise
For one civic example from this page, identify the relevant institution and describe the role given here.
Independent practice only. This guide is not an official syllabus, question bank, or prediction of results.
- CIV
I Belong Programme · Topic 6 of 11
4 sections · 6 key facts · 5 review prompts
Constitutional structure
Malta is a parliamentary republic with a written constitution. The constitution, enacted in 1964 and revised in 1974 (when Malta became a republic), is the supreme law of Malta. All laws must be consistent with it. The constitution establishes the three branches of government: the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive (Cabinet and President), and the Judiciary.
The President of Malta is the head of state. The President is elected by the House of Representatives (Parliament) for a five-year term. The role is largely ceremonial — the President acts on the advice of the Cabinet in most matters, signs legislation into law, and represents Malta in formal state functions. The President must remain non-partisan.
Real executive power rests with the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the member of parliament who commands the majority in the House of Representatives. Cabinet ministers are appointed on the Prime Minister's advice and collectively run government ministries and are accountable to Parliament.
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives (Il-Kamra tad-Deputati) is Malta's unicameral parliament — there is only one chamber, unlike countries with upper and lower houses. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected using a Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
General elections are held at regular intervals under the constitution. Malta has a long tradition of two-party dominance between the Labour Party (PL — Partit Laburista) and the Nationalist Party (PN — Partit Nazzjonalista), though other parties and independents have gained seats.
Parliament makes laws, approves the national budget and holds the executive to account. Do not infer voting eligibility from residence alone; check the Electoral Commission’s current requirements.
Local Councils and local governance
Malta is divided into 68 Local Councils (Kunsilli Lokali) — 54 on the main island and 14 on Gozo. Each Local Council is responsible for a range of local services in its area; check your council's official information for what it handles. Councillors are elected by eligible voters; check the official eligibility rules.
Your Local Council is one of the bodies you may contact about local matters. Knowing your Local Council and how to reach it is a practical civic skill.
For a local service, identify the responsible council and check its current contact details and responsibilities. Administrative arrangements can change, so use the council’s official information.
Key institutions for TCN residents
Identità is responsible for identity management and migration processes. Its Expatriates Unit deals with residence documents and permits. Use its official guidance for the relevant procedure.
Jobsplus is Malta’s public employment service. Its website provides job-search services, courses and employment information. Use its current name when looking for official support.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) investigates discrimination complaints within its remit. Check its official complaints guidance to understand what it can investigate and how to contact it.
Key facts to remember
Malta is a parliamentary republic with one chamber of Parliament.
The President is head of state; the Prime Minister heads the government.
Malta elects MPs using Single Transferable Vote, where voters rank candidates.
Malta has 68 local councils.
Identità handles identity and residence documents.
Jobsplus is Malta’s public employment service.
Study tips
- Distinguish the President (ceremonial head of state) from the Prime Minister (head of government with real executive power). Use an example to explain the distinction.
- Remember the 68 Local Councils figure and the split between Malta (54) and Gozo (14).
- Explain the different functions of Identità, Jobsplus and NCPE using a practical example. These exercises do not predict official questions.
- The Single Transferable Vote system: remember that voters rank candidates in order of preference — this is what makes it different from a simple first-past-the-post system.
Common pitfalls
- Confusing the President’s role (head of state) with the Prime Minister’s (head of government)
- Not knowing the Maltese names for the two main parties: PL (Partit Laburista) and PN (Partit Nazzjonalista)
- Confusing Identità (identity and residence matters) with Jobsplus (employment services)
- Not knowing the number of Local Councils (68) or the Malta/Gozo split
Ready to test yourself?
Self-test
Quick review
5 questions · tap to reveal
What is the role of the President of Malta?
Head of state — a largely ceremonial role. The President signs legislation, represents Malta formally, and acts on Cabinet advice. Real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
How many Local Councils does Malta have?
68 — 54 on the main island of Malta and 14 on Gozo.
What is Identità?
The government agency responsible for identity management and migration processes, including residence documents.
What voting system does Malta use for parliamentary elections?
Single Transferable Vote (STV) — voters rank candidates in order of preference.
What are the two main political parties in Malta?
The Labour Party (PL — Partit Laburista) and the Nationalist Party (PN — Partit Nazzjonalista).
Preparation scope and sources
Since 15 June 2026, I Belong focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course. The Directorate also provides transitional arrangements for Stage 2 applications received before that date, including an opportunity to take MQF Level 2 Maltese. Its overview does not specify a current assessment format or numeric pass mark. Confirm the instructions for your course with your provider. Language exercises here are supplementary practice, not official I Belong course materials.
Read the official I Belong Programme guidance
Assessment guidance checked:
- Read the official Jobsplus guidance
Official employment services, job search and course information.
Source checked:
- Read the official Identità guidance
Current identity-management and migration functions.
Source checked:
- Read the official NCPE guidance
Official discrimination-complaints guidance within the Commission’s remit.
Source checked:
The linked programme overview establishes the preparation context, not an official endorsement of these exercises. Follow your provider's current course materials and assessment instructions.