Tynwald

Tynwald is the parliament and supreme legislative body of the Isle of Man, a self-governing Crown dependency in the Irish Sea. It traces its origins to medieval Norse and Gaelic assemblies and is often described as one of the oldest continuous parliaments in the world. Today, Tynwald combines legislative and constitutional functions within a framework that includes a monarch’s representative.

The legislature consists of two houses: the House of Keys, with 24 elected members representing local constituencies, and the Legislative Council, the upper house, with 11 members chosen to serve on Tynwald. The two houses sit separately for much of their work but meet together in Tynwald Court for joint sessions to debate and pass legislation, scrutinize government, and consider public policy.

Laws require approval by both houses and formal assent from the Crown’s representative, the Lieutenant Governor. The government is led by a Chief Minister, usually drawn from the House of Keys, and supported by a formal ministerial structure drawn from both houses. The Crown’s representative authorizes laws and performs certain ceremonial duties.

Sessions of Tynwald are held in the Legislative Buildings in Douglas, but the island’s best-known constitutional tradition is the annual outdoor sitting on Tynwald Day, on 5 July, at Tynwald Hill in St John’s. On this day, laws are proclaimed, and the public can participate in ceremonies that celebrate Manx identity and constitutional tradition.

Historically, Tynwald’s authority was established long before modern parliamentary systems and today operates under a devolved constitution that maintains Manx legislative sovereignty within the framework of a Crown dependency.