The Isle of Man does not have representative in either the United Kingdom or the European Parliaments. It has its own Parliament called Tynwald, which makes its own laws and oversees all internal matters. Dating back to Viking times, Tynwald is the oldest legislature in the world in continuous existence. It is over 1000 years old. The name originates from the Norse language Thing-Vollr, meaning a parliamentary field.
The House of Keys is the Lower Branch of Tynwald and consists of 24 Members, representing 15 constituencies, the largest of which have 3 Members. The Members of the House of Keys (Known as MHKs) are directly elected by the people of the Isle of Man. The majority of members sit as independents and there is little in the way of party politics. Every five years a General Election is held to elect members of the House of Keys. The MHKS elect one of their number to be the Speaker, who presides at meetings of the Keys. The legislative Council is the Upper Branch of Tynwald and eight of its eleven Members ( or MLCs ) are elected by the Members of the House of keys. The remaining Members of the Legislative Council are the President of Tynwald, who is elected by Tynwald, and the Attorney General ( who dose not vote ) and the Lord Bishop who are appointed by the Crown.