Collegially Shared Power: Definition and Criteria

The article focuses on the development of R. Collins’ concept of collegially shared power (CSP). The author formulates a definition of CSP and four criteria associated with the formal separation of powers: 1) the right of parliament to participate in the formation of government; 2) the responsibility of government to parliament; 3) the lack of authority of the head of state to appoint proxies to the legislative institutions; 4) the observance of written law by all branches of powers and their subordinate structures. The obtained results will contribute to a further, more detailed study of the CSP as a key element of democracy.