Profil polskich posłów i siła ich mandatu w XXI w. Analiza ilościowa

The process of weakening of parliaments, and, at the same time, the stronger position of governments’ powers are key themes in the ongoing debate on the state of liberal democracy. Research on these issues tends to take a macro perspective, overlooking or underestimating the importance of the individuals at the centre of this process. This article analyses the change in the socio-political profile of Polish MPs in the 21st century. It discusses the share of women in the Sejm and the demographic variables of MPs: their age, tenure, and the education level. Moreover, electoral results were analysed, measuring the strength of the single mandate and the legitimacy of parliament as a whole.