The second edition has sold in excess of 5,500 copies. Thoroughly revised and updated, also two completely new chapters on global politics. Clearly structured for course use, each chapter length to suit a week's reading. Clearly written and accessible, very lucid introduction to political concepts.

List of Figures and Tables. Preface to the third edition. Preface to the second edition. Preface to the third edition. Part I: The Study of Politics:. 1. The Meaning and Scope of Politics. 2. Approaches and Levels. 3. Key Concepts - 1: Power, Authority and Legitimacy. 4. Key Concepts - 2: Ideology, Interest and Choice. 5. Models in the Study of Politics. 6. Models of Democracy - 1: Alternatives. 7. Models of Democracy - 2: The Debate. 8. The Scope and Responsibility of the State. Part II: The Context of Politics:. 9. Political Stability. 10. History, Tradition and Myth. 11. The Economic and Social Context of Politics. Part III: National Politics in Operation:. 12. Party Politics. 13. Group Politics. 14. Executives. 15. Assemblies. 16. Executive-Assembly Relations. 17. Bureaucracies. 18. Laws, Courts and Judges. 19. The Police and the Military. Part IV: Supranational and Subnational Politics:. 20. Global Politics: Approaches to Analysis: Charlotte Bretherton. 21. Global Politics: Processes of Change: Charlotte Bretherton. 22. Nationalism, Federalism and Devolution. 23. Local Politics. Part V: Links Between Government and People:. 24. Legitimacy. 25. Political Socialization. 26. Representation and Elections. 27. Other Forms of Participation. References

In this new edition of Ponton and Gill's well-known text, new material on recent events and political changes, especially in Western, Central and Eastern Europe is incorporated into the explanatory frameworks offered by political science. Students are given a superlative guide to the concepts and models political scientists bring to bear on real world happenings. Two entirely new chapters consider the dimensions of globalization, focusing on the interplay between political concerns at the level of nation states and their international contexts which shape national agendas. Introduction to Politics balances the need for clarity and ease of understanding with the need for depth of reflection on matters of political substance. It is an indispensable volume clearing a pathway for all students seeking to develop knowledge and a capacity for judgment about politics.

List of Figures and Tables. Preface to the third edition. Preface to the second edition. Preface to the third edition. Part I: The Study of Politics. Part II: The Context of Politics. Part III: National Politics in Operation. Part IV: Supranational and Subnational Politics. Part V: Links Between Government and People. References