Kuwait has known the consultative system (Al-Shoora) since 1920. The first state consultative council in the region was formed during the reign of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The first elected legislative assembly was formed in the country in 1938 with 14 members. Though it was short-lived, it speaks volumes of Kuwait's serious attempts to create democratic institutions way back in 1930s.

Modern parliamentary life in Kuwait began on June 19, 1961 with the elections to the Constituent Assembly. This was followed by the first session of the National Assembly held on January 29, 1963.

The total strength of the Kuwaiti National Assembly is 50. The members are elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage and secret ballot. The legislative term is divided into annual sessions which are of no less than eight months' duration; the legislative term may be extended by law in times of war or may be shortened if the Assembly is dissolved by a decree. In such an eventuality general elections will have to be held within two months from the date of dissolution.

Each of Kuwait's 5 constituencies elects 10 members to the Assembly. Kuwaiti males and females who are 21 years of age have the right to vote. Candidates for the National Assembly must be Kuwaiti nationals and not under 30 years of age.The Assembly's sessions are only valid when more than half of the total number of members are present. Every member has the right to initiate bills. The bill passed by the National Assembly becomes law after it is sanctioned by the Amir, and promulgated and published in the official gazette.

The National Assembly's financial responsibilities include approval of the state budget and final accounts. The Assembly also supervises executive power through deferment means, like submitting questions, initiating discussions, and setting up commissions of inquiry. Such supervision can lead to a vote of no-confidence against a minister and result in his resignation. A vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister is not allowed, but the Assembly has the right of deciding not to cooperate with the Prime Minister. In such a case, the issue is taken to the Amir, who may either relieve the Prime Minister of office and appoint a new Cabinet or dissolve the Assembly and hold fresh elections.

The National Assembly has the right to set up standing as well as ad-hoc committees from among its members. These committees include Committee on Petitions and Complaints, Committee on Interior Affairs and Defence, Committee on Financial and Economic Affairs, Committee on Legislative and Legal Affairs, Committee on Affairs of Education, Culture and Guidance, Committee on Health, Social Affairs and Labour, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Public Utilities, Committee on Protection of Public Funds and the Committee on Defence of Human Rights.

The present Speaker of the National Assembly is HE Jassem Al-Khorafi.

How does Kuwait’s National Assembly function ?