The Government of Vietnam functions as a unitary one-party socialist republic established in its current form in 1976. Led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, the executive branch consists of a prime minister, four deputies, and 14 ministries. The government has undergone several name changes since 1945, evolving from the Council of Government (1959-1980) to the Council of Ministers (1980-1992) before adopting its current designation. All government officials are appointed by the president on the prime minister’s advice and approved by the National Assembly. The government claims to be accountable to the National Assembly, though critics note the Communist Party maintains strict control over all state functions, with the party’s general secretary considered Vietnam’s highest political authority.