The Government of Kazakhstan operates as a unitary republic, where the President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political system is based on a multi-party framework, although the Nur Otan party has historically been the dominant force in politics. Kazakhstan's government is structured into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The Parliament consists of two chambers: the Senate and the Mazhilis. This system is designed to ensure a balance of power, although the President holds significant authority over the government and its functions.