Parliaments in adolescence

Applying the research framework outlined in the introduction, this paper finds that in the new democracies of central and eastern Europe borrowing from the old regime rather than from Western expertise is predominant in constitution making and that the policy activity of the new parliaments is shaped predominantly by external influences. The fluid nature of political parties and limited pressure group activity facilitate policy activity at the expense of ‘responsible’ party government. Policy attributes are shaped by the stance toward the old regime. A process of institutionalisation is apparent, with greater activity, committee specialisation and organisational sophistication.