Tongan politics is characterized by a constitutional monarchy, where the King of Tonga serves as the head of state. The political system includes a parliament, known as the Tongan Legislative Assembly, which consists of elected representatives and appointed nobles. Political parties exist, but the system has historically been dominated by a few key figures and traditional leaders. In recent years, Tonga has seen movements toward greater democracy and political reform. The 2010 constitutional changes allowed for more elected representatives in parliament, increasing public participation. However, challenges such as economic issues and social inequality continue to influence the political landscape in Tonga.