provides a comprehensive, theoretical, and methodological introduction to the field of comparative politics. In the sciences, theory is tested through direct experimentation. In politics, however, social scientists cannot simply manipulate an institution or law to see what might happen. Comparisons of different political contexts are thus central to political theory. Analyzing what happens when different countries modify constitutions or party systems provides useful information about the probable consequences of such changes among diverse political orders. The world of politics is full rich and complex factors which influence the way people vote, how policies are made, or how interest groups lobby. Written by a well-established author with an international reputation, surveys the best work in the field, examining the issues involved in an attempt to compare political systems and discussing how the methods and results of comparative politics can be improved. This valuable survey presents a wide array of case studies to illustrate how comparative analysts devise effective methods to construct meaningful theories about political systems. All major current approaches are covered, making this essential reading for students of politics and government.