Representative Assemblies in Early Modern European <scp>State‐Building</scp> : Evidence from Four Experiences

The article reassesses the role played by parliaments and other representative structures in European state-building processes. It points to a need of going beyond traditional antagonist conception relationships between rulers social forces rooted comparative historical political science, substituting it with theory grounded concept exchange. A preliminary analysis four cases (Brandenburg-Prussia, Dutch Republic, Poland, Sweden) is conducted, purpose singling out “internal” determinants — that is, institutional properties assemblies allowed them integrate into framework states formation, or hindered such an integration. These are found consist three main factors: organisational centralisation, working autonomy, significant interdependence relationship distinct relatively autonomous governmental centre.