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 areas like defense and foreign affairs. The main political parties in Scotland include the Scottish National Party (SNP), which advocates for Scottish independence, the Scottish Labour Party, and the Scottish Conservative Party. Elections are held every five years, allowing citizens to vote for their representatives and influence the direction of local and national policies.