1.3 Main specifics of the constitutional system

Estonia is a parliamentary state. Although, the President of the Republic is the head of state of Estonia, the Riigikogu and the Government of the Republic possess most of the legislative and executive power. Legislative power is vested in The Riigikogu and executive power in The Government of the Republic in Estonia. The functions of executive power are divided into areas of government managed by ministries. The Government of the Republic exercises executive power either directly or through government agencies. The responsibility for provision of support services to the Government and the Prime Minister is assigned to the State Chancellery - a government agency within the Government of the Republic.
Chapter XIII of the Constitution of the Republic Estonia provides the basis for court administration. It says that justice shall be administered solely by the courts. Estonia has a three-level court system. County and city courts and administrative courts adjudicate matters in the first instance. The majority of courts of first instance are situated in county centres. Appeals against decisions of courts of first instance shall be heard by courts of second instance. Courts of appeal are courts of second instance - circuit courts. The courts of appeal are situated in Jõhvi, Tartu and Tallinn. The Supreme Court, situated in Tartu, is the court of the highest instance. According to the Constitution, the Supreme Court shall declare invalid any law or other legislation that is in conflict with the provisions and spirit of the Constitution.
Estonia does not have a state church, religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution.