Comparative Political Systems

The study of Comparative Political Systems is the oldest branch of political science, as Aristotle was the first great realist, master of the subject. Yet, it is also very modern by virtue of the new approaches it uses and very important interms of the problems it tackles. Various factors have contributed to a marked intellectual revolution in the study of comparative political systems. Among them the more important are : the emergence of a large number of states in Asia, Africa and Middle East, the emergence of communist states as powerful competitors in the struggle to shape the structure of national politics in most of the states. Thus, there developed a new trend towards intellectual innovation, marked by a search for more comprehensive scope, realism, precision and intellectual order. This study of Comparative Political Systems involves conscious comparison in studying political experiences, institutions, behaviour and processes of the major systems of government in a comprehensive manner. In an attempt to modernise their courses of study, many Indian universities have introduced the study of comparative political systems at their under-graduate and post-graduate levels. While preparing the present work. Such variations and differing needs of the students have been kept in view. It is hoped that this work will pave the way and prepare the reader for further and more detailed studies in the subject.