Originally published in 1957, the first part of the book discusses the general problems of approach, classification, typology and terminology, and examines ancillary fields of study and the methods of teaching comparative government. Part Two is concerned with studies of particular areas, democratic control of foreign policy, political parties, contemporary revolutionary movements, parliamentary procedures, electoral systems and elections, and nationalized industries.

This book focuses on the economic changes produced by different political systems and on the social impact of regime transformations. It addresses several key policy issues: How does the policy process operate in various types of political systems? What impact do public policies and policy outcomes wield on transformations in a political system? How does public policy preference in different political systems affect democracy, capitalism, and socialism?

This title examines a wide variety of international and historical political systems, inviting readers to compare their own system of government with different systems around the world. It looks at how modern politics has evolved over time, what systems seem to work best, and what makes them successful. The book also explores notable failed states and governments and compares these to the successes.