A socialist country, Vietnam is under the leadership of the Communist Party, which holds a national congress every five years to outline the country's future course, and formalise policies. The 450 member National Assembly - also open to non-party members - is the supreme organ of state, and the only body with constitutional and legislative power. The National Assembly elects the President of the State and the Prime Minister
The President has the right to nominate candidates for a number of key positions, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, and the Procurator-General of the People's Office of Supervision and Control. The National Assembly then approves nominees. The Prime Minister, who is charged with the day-to-day handling of the Government, has the right to nominate and dismiss the members of his cabinet, though only with the approval of the National Assembly. He also has at his disposal the power to cancel or suspend decisions or directives issued by the ministries.

Curent policies reflect a flexible, less authoritarian approach. Vietnam is now becoming a freewheeling and dynamic society.