Democratic government has now been entrenched in Poland. An increasingly significant European actor, Poland presents problematic but also stimulating challenges to new NATO and EU associates. This authoritative overview examines in depth the constitutional and governmental framework in Poland since 1989 and its central political institutions, mechanisms and actors. Sanford demonstrates how the governmental system evolved pragmatically during the 1990s to cope with modernization and consolidated viable independent statehood consensually around Poland's hardy constitutional values.

'An excellent book for undergraduates, graduates, scholars, an anyone seriously interested in Poland.' - L. K. D. Kristof, Choice

List of Tables
Preface
Abbreviations
The Constitution and History
The Communist Experience and Legacy
Democratic Transition and Consolidation
Constitution Making and Consensus Building
Parliament and Democratic Politics
The Executive: Dual or Fragmented?
Government and the Mechanisms of Representation
The Active Constitution in Practice
Conclusion: The Polish Constitution as a Framework for Democracy
Bibliography
Index

GEORGE SANFORD is a Reader in Politics at Bristol University where he has taught since 1966. A leading academic specialist on Eastern Europe and Poland his publications include Poland: The Conquest of History, Building Democracy, Historical Dictionary of Poland, Democratization in Poland, The Solidarity Congress 1981, Military Rule in Poland and Polish Communism in Crisis.