Administrative and Institutional Measures At the Federal level there are two Federal Houses: the House of Peoples‟ Representatives and the House of Federation. The House of Peoples‟ Representatives (HPR) is the highest legislative organ of the State. The members of HPR are elected for a term of five years on the basis of universal suffrage and by direct, free and fair general elections held by secret ballot. The HPR has the power of legislation in all matters assigned by the Constitution to federal jurisdiction, as well as the power to investigate the Executive‟s conduct and discharge of its responsibilities. The House of Federation is composed of representatives of the nations, nationalities and peoples and its members are elected by the Regional State Councils or have representatives elected by the people directly. The House of Federation has the power: to interpret the Constitution; to decide, in accordance with the Constitution, on issues relating to the rights of nations, nationalities and peoples to selfdetermination; to work to find solution to disputes and misunderstandings that may arise between States; and to determine the distribution of revenues derived from joint Federal and State tax sources, and the subsidies that the Federal Government may provide to the States. The highest executive powers of the federal government are vested in the Prime Minister and in the Council of Ministers and they are responsible to the House of Peoples‟ Representatives. Regarding the structure and powers of the courts, an independent judiciary is established by the Federal Constitution and highest Federal judicial authority is vested in the Federal Supreme Court. In accordance with the FDRE constitution, the states have legislative, executive and judicial powers on matters falling under state jurisdiction. The State Council is the highest organ of State authority and is responsible to the people of the State who elect their representatives for a term of five years in the national and federal elections. All states have their own state constitution and can enact laws on issues falling within state jurisdiction. The States‟ executive authorities are responsible to implement the laws and policies of the State Councils as well as Federal laws. An independent judiciary is established in each state with the mandate to interpret laws.96 96 The FDRE National Human Rights Action Plan,2013- 15, pg 13 110