Parliaments in Contemporary Western Europe

The relationship between parliament and government is fundamental to a political system. In this volume, a distinguished team of specialists explore that relationship and consider to what extent parliaments have the capacity to constrain governments. Are there particular institutional features, such as specialisation through committees, that enhance their capacity to influence public policy? Introduction - the institution of parliaments, Philip Norton; old institution, new institutionalism? parliament and government in the UK, Philip Norton; the German Bundestag - influence and accountability in a complex environment, Thomas Saalfeld; the Italian Parliament - chambers in a crumbling House? Vincent Della Sala; parliament and government in Belgium - prisoners of partitocracy, Lieven de Winter; a changing relationship? parliament and government in Ireland, Euana O'Halpin; relationship between parliament and government in Portugal - an expression of the maturation of the political system, Cristina Leston Bandeira; the European Parliament - crawling, walking and running, Mark P. Shephard; conclusion - do parliaments make a difference? Philip Norton.