Parliament Introduction
The Island is a Crown Dependency that, through its ancient parliament, Tynwald, enjoys a high degree of domestic legislative and political autonomy. The United Kingdom Government is, by convention, responsible for the conduct of the external relations and defence of the Island. The Isle of Man's economic and social achievements would not have been possible without the stability that its constitution and institutions provide. Her Majesty the Queen as Lord of Mann is Head of State. Her personal representative on the Island is His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the Crown for a five-year term.