This book investigates the fundamental question of who truly governs in contemporary liberal democracies: the government or the political parties that support it. Jean Blondel, a noted political scientist, along with specialists in nine Western European countries, the United States, and India, provides a systematic study of the relationship between party and government. The research utilizes a common framework to analyze the autonomy or interdependence of these two entities across the levels of appointments, policy-making, and patronage.

This comparative study is recognized for its systematic approach to understanding the dynamics of power in liberal democracies. By employing a shared analytical framework across diverse national contexts, the book offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between political parties and governmental institutions. The work is a significant contribution to the field of comparative politics, providing a detailed examination of governance structures.