Political parties in Portugal play a crucial role in the country's democratic system. The main parties include the Socialist Party (PS), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and the Left Bloc (BE). These parties represent a range of ideologies, from center-left to center-right, and participate in elections at various levels, including national, regional, and local. The Portuguese Assembly of the Republic is the primary legislative body, where these parties debate and pass laws. Coalition governments are common, as no single party often secures an outright majority. This encourages collaboration and negotiation among different political groups to achieve governance.