Government of the Ethiopian Empire

Imperial government of Ethiopia
Absolute monarchy (1270–1931); Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy (1931–1974)
	The Lion of Judah—emblem of the Ethiopian Empire
Formation	1270
Extinction	12 September 1974
Country	Ethiopia; Eritrea;
Legislative branch
Legislature	None (rule by decree) (until 1931); Parliament;
Executive branch
Yekuno Amlak (first) (1270–1285)	Emperor
Haile Selassie (last) (1930–1974)	Emperor
Headquarters	National Palace, Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Empire (1930–1974); Menelik Palace, Addis Ababa (1889–1930); Yohannes IV Palace, Mekelle (1871–1889); Amba Mariam, Wollo Province (1855–1871); Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar (17th century – 1855); Remote residence (until 17th century);
Main organ	Chamber of Senate and Chamber of Deputies (1955–1974);

The Government of the Ethiopian Empire was historically based on the framework of absolute monarchy with a feudal system, where religious legitimacy and the wealthier class were often prioritized. Societies were characterized by social inequality and opportunities for social mobility through military performance. There were famines, droughts and illegitimate land acquisition from peasants and landowners.

Under Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopia became a centralized state under a multiethnic empire with over 80 ethnic groups despite having Shewan Amhara dominance. Ethiopia was then modernized by Emperor Haile Selassie after his coronation in 1930, introducing two constitutions: one in 1931 and a revised version in 1955. The system was unitary and parliamentary, with the legislature divided into the Chamber of Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.