This is an intensive study of Indonesian politics from the attainment of full independence in december 1949 to the proclamation of martial law ini march 1957, and President Soekarno's subsequent establishment of guided democracy". It is intended as a contribution to the ongoing discussion of politics institutions are transformed when employed in non western social settings, and of the obstacles to be overcome if such institutions are ti operate in consonance with the authority systems of new nations and with their solution of economics and administrative problems.