Its members are typically chosen from the majority party or coalition, in the lower house of parliament (the Sejm), although exceptions to this rule are not uncommon.

Members of Sejm are elected by proportional representation, with the proviso that non-ethnic-minority parties must gain at least 5% of the national vote to enter the lower house.

Official acts of the president shall require, for their validity, the signature of the prime minister, nevertheless this does not apply to: The Polish Parliament has two chambers.

When sitting in joint session, members of the Sejm and Senate form the National Assembly, (Polish Zgromadzenie Narodowe).

[16] The participation of other citizens in the administration of justice[clarification needed] is defined by law [17] and boils down to the application of the system of a lay judge in the first instance in common and military courts.

[20] Until 2018, the court was divided into four chambers: Civil, Criminal, Military and Labour, Social Security and Public Affairs.

Since 2018, there are chambers: Civil, Criminal, Labour and Social Security, Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs, and Disciplinary.

[22] The current Constitution introduced the principle of two-instance procedures, which resulted in the establishment of voivodeship administrative courts adjudicating in the first instance.

In 2009 the Armed Forces transformed into a fully professional organization and compulsory military service was abolished.

Personnel levels and organization in the different branches are as follows (2004): The Polish military continues to restructure and to modernize its equipment.

Budget constraints hamper such priority defense acquisitions as a multi-role fighter, improved communications systems, and an attack helicopter.

Poland wields considerable influence in Central and Eastern Europe and is a middle power in international affairs.

Due to its tragic historical experience with aggression of powerful neighbors (e.g., Partitions of Poland, Second World War), Polish foreign policy pursues close cooperation with a strong partner, one apt enough to give strong military support in times of critical situations.

[neutrality is disputed]At the same time, the equally burdened attitude towards Russia results in very tense diplomatic relations, which have been constantly worsening since Vladimir Putin's rise to power.

This is an important factor for the special attention Poland pays to the political emancipation of all its Eastern neighbors: Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine.