Politics in Poland operates as a parliamentary republic, where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, plays a crucial role in legislation, while the Senate serves as the upper house. Political parties compete in elections, with the Law and Justice Party (PiS) and the Civic Coalition being two of the most prominent. The political landscape in Poland has been marked by debates over issues such as judicial independence, media freedom, and social policies. The country is a member of the European Union, which influences its political decisions and economic policies. Political dynamics often reflect broader regional trends in Central Europe.