ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the dilemma posed by the concurrent advocacy of socialist democracy and the leading role of the party in the political system of developed socialism. It focuses on the theoretical arguments presented by Soviet and East European specialists in regard to the principal features of mature socialist states. The central feature in the discussions on the political system of developed socialism is the intensification of socialist democracy, which is described as the principal trend in the contemporary development of communist states. The chapter explores the tension between the extension of mass participation and the strengthening of party functions in political organizations and processes. The leadership of society during developed socialism remains firmly vested in the communist party and its personnel. The ideology of mature socialism clearly recognizes the role of the communist party as far more significant than that of any other institution in the political system.
