In South Sudan, the form of government is a presidential republic. In South Sudan, legislative power rests with a national legislature. The head of government is Salva Kiir Mayardit. A country's governmental structure determines the way laws are written, passed and interpreted. The type of government determines the way elections are held as well as the country's system of policing its citizens. The term of office of the head of state in South Sudan lasts until 43466. The length of a head of state's term in office has a direct impact on the power and influence of the executive position. A longer term gives the head of state more authority. The Global Peace Index (GPI) for South Sudan is 3,383. The strength of the legal rights index for South Sudan is 2. Overall, it is considered to be rather weak – bankruptcy and collateral laws fail to protect borrowers' and lenders' rights in the event of credit-related complications; Credit information is scarce, if any, and difficult to access. In 2013, South Sudan received US$1578 million in foreign aid. In 2014, foreign aid was $1088.

Government
Salva Kiir Mayardit is the head of government in South Sudan. South Sudan's system of government is a presidential republic. In South Sudan, legislative power rests with a national legislature; It is a bicameral legislature and therefore a bicameral national legislature. According to the World Bank Group, the government effectiveness index in South Sudan is -2.13. This indicates that the government of South Sudan is very ineffective. The government is unable to provide civil and public services to its citizens and has fostered a situation that is causing political and social unrest.