Polish political system is described as parliamentary democracy. The basic legal act is the Constitution of Republic of Poland from 1997. The authority is organized into three sections:
• Legislative branch - two-chambered parliament, the Sejm (the 1st, lower chamber consisting of 460 deputies - www.sejm.gov.pl) and Senat (the 2nd, higher chamber, consisting of 100 senators - www.senat.gov.pl). At present, the majority is the coalition of two parties: Platforma Obywatelska and Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe. In the opposition are Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej and Ruch Palikota. Parliament’s term of office shall be 4 years. The upcomming elections are dated on 2015.
• Executive power - the President and the Government. At present the President of Poland is Andrzej Duda; Beata Szydło is the Prime Minister. More information about government may be found on official websites: www.president.pl and www.premier.gov.pl
• Judicial authority is performed by independent courts.
Poland is a member of many international organizations, including:
• ONZ (since 1945)
• NATO (since 1999)
• EU (since 2004; in Schengen Area since 2007)
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