ABSTRACT
In addition to engagement in strategies relating to the electorate, parties can also engage in strategies relating to institutions, and this chapter investigates the extent to which the political institutions of western Europe favour established parties. Institutions play a major role in shaping the way that political parties operate and can facilitate or restrict certain activities, ultimately playing a role in determining the success of certain parties. Rules and regulations for the maintenance of the institutional structure are set out in most western European democracies' constitutions, yet governing parties are not always compelled to abide by rules concerning the operation of institutions. If the rules disadvantage certain parties, they can change the rules. This perspective is encapsulated by Müller's statement that ‘political parties’ motivation for playing the political game is not the Olympic principle; their rationale is not mere participation in the game, but winning it' (2002: 251).
