Foundations of Comparative Politics
Democracies of the Modern World

Now in its fourth edition, this textbook gives a comprehensively updated account of the government and politics of democratic states.

Kenneth Newton (Author), Jan W. van Deth (Author)

9781108927390, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 January 2021

452 pages
24.6 x 17.4 x 2.1 cm, 0.91 kg

'This book does what it says on the cover: it provides an excellent guide to the foundations of comparative democratic politics. It states concepts clearly and provides up to date examples, data and topics for debate.' Richard Rose, Professor of Politics, University of Strathclyde, and author of How Referendums Challenge European Democracy: Brexit and Beyond

Now in its fourth edition, this textbook gives a clear and concise account of the government and politics of democratic states, comprehensively updated with recent developments. It provides an ideal guide for undergraduate students who want to understand how and why democratic systems differ between countries and how they are changing in the modern world. It is written and structured in an easy to follow style, enabling students to gain a thorough understanding of the explanations behind complex ideas and theories. The 'Briefings' and 'Controversies' sections give life to the analyses with illustrations drawn from around the globe, whilst its 'Key Term' entries provide students with a route through the concepts of political science. The fourth edition has been fully revised to reflect recent changes in political attitudes and behaviour, voting, parties, party systems and ideologies. The final chapter addresses the future of democratic states facing with these changes and challenges, by examining democratic crisis, populism and post-democracy.

Introduction
Part I. The State: Origins and Development: 1. The development of the modern state
2. States and democracy
3. Democratic change
Part II. The Policy: Structures and Institutions: 4. Constitutions
5. Presidential and parliamentary government
6. Multi-level government: international, national and sub-national
7. Policy making and legislating: executives and legislatures
8. Implementation: the public bureaucracy
Part III. Citizens, Elites and Interest Meditation: 9. Political attitudes and behaviour
10. Pressure groups and social movements
11. The media
12. Voters and elections
13. Party government
Part IV. Policies and Performance: 14. Political ideologies
15. Policy making
16. Public speaking and public policies
17. The future of the democratic state.

Subject Areas: Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP]