Foundations of Comparative Politics

by Kenneth Newton , Jan W. van Deth

• ISBN13: 9780521136792
• ISBN10: 0521136792
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-01-25
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This student-friendly introduction to the key theories and concepts of comparative politics now provides even broader coverage of the world's democracies, with examples drawn from across the globe. Foundations of Comparative Politics contains a wealth of information, clearly structured and easy to read, with clear definition of Key Terms. It covers all the important themes in the field, including constitutional design and institutions; mass and elite politics; policy-making and implementation; and the future of the state and democracy in a globalising world. A new chapter on studying comparative politics, and new 'What Have We Learned?' and 'Lessons of Comparison' summary sections help students pull together the lessons of each chapter. Combining facts and theory throughout, debate is stimulated through the use of Controversy boxes, and Fact Files and Briefings give students interesting data that illustrates the key issues in the text. Online resources, including MCQs and Powerpoint slides, complete the package.

Table of Contents

Introduction: why comparative government?

The State: Origins and Development

The development of the modern state

States and democracy

Democratic change and persistence

The Polity: Structures and Institutions

Constitutions

Presidential and parliamentary government

Multi-level government: international, national and sub-national

Policy making and legislating: executives and legislatures

Implementation: the public bureaucracy

Citizens, Elites and Interest Mediation

Political attitudes and behaviour

Pressure groups and social movements

The mass media

Voters and elections

Party government

Policies and Performance

Political ideologies: conservatism, liberalism, Christian democracy and socialism

Decision making

Defence and security

Welfare

The future of the democratic state

Postscript: how and what to compare

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