Contains: Introduction,
PART I: The state: origin and evolution, The creation of the modern state, States and democracy, Democratic change and resilience,
PART II: The polity: structures and institutions, Constitution, Presidential and parliamentary government systems, Multi-level governance: international, national, and sub-national levels, Policy-making and legislation: the executive and legislative bodies, Policy implementation: public administration,
PART III: Citizens, elites, and interest mediation, Political attitudes and behavior, Pressure groups and social movements, The media, Voters and elections, Party government,
PART IV: Policies and policy performance, Political ideologies: Conservatism, liberalism, Christian democracy, and socialism, Decision-making, Public expenditures, The future of the democratic state, How and what to compare?, Glossary of Basic Terms, Index.