This is the first volume in the "Comparative European Politics" series. It offers an analysis of four major European democratic systems - those of the UK, France, Italy and Germany - which combines theoretical approaches with empirical material. Organized around themes rather than countries, the book includes chapters on political cleavages, political parties and pressure groups, governmental institutions and constitutional courts, and is illustrated with many concrete examples. This edition has been revised and updated to take account of the events in Europe since 1990. Other titles by Yves Meny include "Center-Periphery Relations in Western Europe" (co-edited with Vincent Wright) and "The Politics of Steel".