Describes systems of government from throughout the world, relates them to unique social and economic influences, identifies particular features common to all or most, and makes objective comparisons.

The comparative approach -- Understanding political systems -- Constitutions -- The ideological bases -- Executives -- Legislature, assemblies, and congresses -- Elections and voters -- Political parties -- Political systems of the World's nation-states -- Asia -- Central America and the Caribbean -- Central, Eastern and Southern Europe -- Central and Southern Africa -- The Middle East and North Africa -- North America -- Northern and Western Europe -- Oceania -- South America -- Towards one world -- The relics of empire: colonies, dependencies and semi-sovereign states -- The world grows smaller: international cooperation.