ABSTRACT
In chapter 2, vve analyzed the choices made with regard to the constitutional position of the Czech and Slovak parliaments within the new7 institutional order. The previous chapter explored institutionalization of the relationships of two parliaments with one of the critical actors in their environment - the electorate. The concern of this chapter is the institutionalization of the relationships between the parliaments and another critical actor in their environment - the executive power. Having considered the causes of institu tional design in 1992, we now need to know the consequences of these decisions. We need to know how basic constitutional choices, as well as other institutional and political factors, shaped institutionalization and political activity in the sphere of executive-legislative relations. What is the role of parties in structuring the relationships between parliament and government? To what extent do individual MPs and parliamentary committees enjoy policy-making autonomy? To what extent do Czech and Slovak parliaments act as cohesive institutions against the government? How do MPs see their role vis-à-vis the government? How do parliamentary and governmental majorities treat the opposition?
