ABSTRACT
Political leaders in Jordan recognise that, to establish democracy in Jordan a political system and responsible political parties are the first pre-requisite. The view of the Jordanian intellectual was well put by Nizar Rafie when he was Secretary of Parliament in Amman in 1956. The record of the Jordanian political parties, until now, has too often suggested irresponsibility and an immature and overeager pan-Arabism, but it is the common lesser of history that radical parties commence with an over-zealous enthusiasm. In all constitutional governments, while parliament is liable to be dissolved at any moment, and general elections to be called as a necessary consequence, the political parties should live in a state of continuous activity. They must carry on a continuous campaign of support for, or criticism of, the government of the day and the principles, or lack of principles, that guide its action.
