A look at North Korea's parliament and main political bodies

A look at North Korea's main political bodies and the 12th Supreme People's Assembly, which met Monday.

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PARLIAMENT: The Supreme People's Assembly is a rubber-stamp legislature that usually meets once a year; 687 deputies, including leader Kim Jong Il, were elected last year to five-year terms. Many legislators also hold top government positions.

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NATIONAL DEFENSE COMMISSION: Atop the government hierarchy, it oversees the 1.2 million-member military, formulates key defense policy, appoints top military brass and can issue mobilization orders. Under his "songun," or "military first" policy, Kim has ruled the country as commission chairman since 1998.

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WORKERS' PARTY: The ruling communist party, with about 3 million members, guides and oversees major national policies and state affairs. Its authority and influence have diminished in recent years due to the rise of the military. Kim has been party general secretary since 1997.

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CABINET: Comprising 39 ministries, committees and other organizations, the Cabinet is in charge of carrying out major administrative and economic projects. The premier is selected by the Supreme People's Assembly.

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MILITARY: One of the world's largest armies is rewarded by Kim with the country's scarce resources, despite chronic food shortages. Kim became supreme military commander in 1991.

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Sources: South Korea's Unification Ministry, The Associated Press.