The book presents the principal functions of representative institutions, which are necessary in every political order: legitimising power, creating sovereignty but also setting its limits, and pursuing the common good and yet reflecting social diversity. Thus, democratic theorists should focus on making representative government more accountable.
Andrzej Waśkiewicz teaches history of social and political ideas at the Institute of Sociology and the Collegium Artes Liberales, University of Warsaw. He has authored numerous publications, including books on asocial philosophy of life, political theory and methods of its interpretation.