1. General Framework and Concepts2. The Importance and Scope of Comparative Government3. The Political System: Characteristics and Components4. The Norms of Political Systems5. Political Development6. Legitimacy, Integration and Coercion7. Society and Government8. The Social Bases of Political Systems9. Groups and Political Systems10. Political Communication and the Role of the Media11. Political Parties12. The Origins, Nature and Structure of Political Parties13. Party Systems14. Parties, Elections and Direct Democracy15. The Role of Parties in the Contemporary World16. Governmental Structures17. Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Rule18. Centralisation and Decentralisation19. Representation and Legislatures20. National Executives21. Political Leadership22. Implementation and Control23. Bureaucracies24. The Role of the Military in the Political Process25. The Judiciary26. The Policy Process27. Government and the People Conclusion