The Great and General Council, the legislative body of the State, is made up of 60 members elected by direct universal suffrage every five years. 

Only San Marino citizens having attained 21 years of age and not holding any diplomatic or consular position may be elected within the Great and General Council. 

The functions of the Great and General Council are identical to those of any other Parliament: besides the legislative function, the Great and General Council also controls and provides political guidelines to the Government.  

The Great and General Council is presided over by the Captains Regent. They convene it at least once a month and prepare its agenda on the basis of the guidelines provided by the Office of the Heads of the Political Groups represented in the Great and General Council. Such Office coordinates and organises the works of the sittings.