Ghana was established as a parliamentary democracy, bringing together a number of different political communities under a common government for mutual purposes. The Ghanaian constitution divides powers among a president, parliament, cabinet, council of state, and an independent judiciary. The government is elected by universal suffrage. Within this parliamentary structure, elected officials – the Cabinet of Ministers under the leadership of the President – make up the chief decision-making body. The government leads the country's democratic system of governance through consultations with other elected officials, regional and municipal representatives, and the Ghanaian public. The principal role of the Ghanaian government is to ensure and support the country's economic performance. Its other responsibilities include national defence, interregional and international trade and commerce, immigration, banking and the monetary system, criminal law and fisheries. The government also oversees such key industries as shipping, railways, telecommunications and energy.