Author Description

This second edition of a major text has been updated to take account of events in Europe since 1990. It is unique in offering an analysis of four major European democratic systems--those of the UK, France, Italy, and Germany--that combines theoretical approaches with empirical material. Organized around themes rather than countries, the book includes chapters on political cleavages, political parties and pressure groups, governmental institutions, and constitutional courts, and has a wealth of examples throughout.