Barbados has been an independent country since 30 November 1966. It functions as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The Queen of Barbados, Elizabeth II, is head of state and is represented locally by the Governor-General of Barbados—presently Dame Sandra Mason. Both are advised on matters of the Barbadian state by the Prime Minister of Barbados, who is head of government.  There are 30 representatives within the House of Assembly.