SUPPORT FOR PARLIAMENTS AND REGIMES IN THE TRANSITION TOWARD DEMOCRACY IN EASTERN-EUROPE

The generation and maintenance of public support is among the most important functions ascribed to legislatures in democratizing or newly democratic regimes. Survey data from six eastern European countries in transition from authoritarian to pluralistic regimes confirm that public support for legislatures is remarkably widespread. Predictably, support is highest among attentive publics and those most satisfied with the performance of the economy. However, the extent of support even among those most dissatisfied with the economy suggests that the basis of support is substantially symbolic or diffuse in nature. As was to be expected, the relationship between legislative and regime support is reciprocal, although support for legislatures is much more a consequence than a cause of support for the regime.