Introduction -- The contemporary landscape -- The political culture -- Past and present: historical perspective and legacies -- Political environment -- The uncodified constitution -- The electoral system: campaigns, voting, and voters -- Political parties: more or less than a two-party system? -- Interest groups: insiders or outsiders? -- Governmental decision making -- The executive: government at the center -- The European Union: government above the center -- The new assemblies: government beyond the center -- Local government: government below the center -- Scrutiny and legitimation -- Parliament: commons and lords -- The monarchy: above the fray? -- Enforcement and feedback -- Enforcement: the courts and the police -- Communication and feedback: the mass media -- Conclusion -- Future directions: the polity under challenge.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.