Scottish politics is primarily shaped by the Scottish Parliament, which was established in 1999. It has the power to make decisions on various issues, including health, education, and justice, while the UK Parliament in Westminster retains authority over reserved matters like defense and foreign affairs. The dominant political party in Scotland is the Scottish National Party (SNP), which advocates for Scottish independence. Other significant parties include the Scottish Labour Party, Scottish Conservatives, and Scottish Greens. Political debates often focus on issues such as devolution, public services, and the economy.