Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review‘This book covers all major aspects pertinent to democratic party systems including the origin of parties, electoral systems, cleavages, the way parties organize and how this all relates to democratic government. Above all, it is based on relevant empirical data. A must-read for all students of party politics.'> -- Thomas Poguntke, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
‘This book offers a clear and concise introduction to the contexts and implications of political party interactions in contemporary democracies. It will be a useful resource for both students and instructors.’ -- Susan Scarrow, University of Houston, US
‘Where do party systems come from? What is their impact on governing methods and policy choices? What is the future for party government? In this penetrating Advanced Introduction to Party Systems
, Webb addresses all of these questions while drawing on considerable comparative data. A highly recommended overview of this important subject.’ -- William Cross, Carleton University, Canada
‘Webb's Advanced Introduction
delivers on its promise. It very clearly and concisely gives you a sense of the field in an afternoon. Webb identifies the major areas of study of parties and party systems and explains the major debates scholars have about each of them. A must-read for students and scholars alike.’ -- Robin Kolodny, Temple University, US
‘This is a much-anticipated study by one of the world’s most pre-eminent authors in the field of party politics, and it does not disappoint. Paul Webb’s Advanced Introduction provides the definitive review of the state of political parties and party systems today.’ -- David Farrell, University College Dublin, Ireland
Table of ContentsContents: 1 Defining and classifying party systems 2 The origins of party systems: Socio-political cleavages 3 New cleavages and electoral and party system change 4 Party systems and institutional constraints: The effect of the electoral systems 5 Party organizations and institutionalized party systems 6 Office or policy: What drives the formation of governments? 7 What is party government – and does it work? 8 Party systems and political legitimacy References Index
