Political Systems in Action

A democracy is a form of government in which ordinary people take part in running their country and is the bedrock of many Western governments. But how does this idea work in action? This fascinating title looks at democracy, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares democracy past and present and explores its key political figures. Discover the theoretical ideas behind democracy, how it works in action, and the countries in which the political system is in place. Clear explanatory text examines how the political system works in practice along with the theological ideas behind it. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore democracy and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about the political system. The history of democratic government is explored and contrasted with democracy in action today. Biographical features explain how political thinkers created the ideology of democracy in ancient Greece and then made it a reality.

Communism is a political idea based on sharing wealth and removing social class. But how does this work in action? This fascinating title looks at communism, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares communism past with communism present and explores the key figures that put the revolutionary political system on the world stage. Discover the theoretical ideas behind communism, how it works in action, and the countries in the world in which the political system has taken hold. Clear explanatory text examines how the political system works in practice along with the theological ideas behind it. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore communism and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about the political system. The history of communism is explored and contrasted with communism today. Biographical features explain how political thinkers and activists created the ideology of communism and brought it into a reality in the world.

A dictatorship is a form of government in which one person or a small group of people hold total power. But what are the mechanics behind this system of ultimate control? This fascinating title looks at dictatorship, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares dictatorships past and present and explores key dictators in world history. Discover the theoretical ideas behind dictatorship, how it works in action, and the countries in which the political system is in place. Clear explanatory text examines how dictatorship works in practice along with the theological ideas behind the politics. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore dictatorship and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about the political system. The history of dictatorship is explored and contrasted with dictatorships in the world today. Biographical features explain how people created the ideology of dictatorship, and then made this harsh form of control a reality.

Socialism is a political and economic system with the key aim of making society more equal. But can this political system work in action? This fascinating title looks at socialism, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares socialism past and present and explores the best examples of socialism in world history. Discover the theoretical ideas behind the political system, how it works in action, and the countries in which it is in place. Clear explanatory text examines how socialism works in practice along with the theological ideas behind the politics. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore socialism and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about this system of political control. The history of socialist control is explored and contrasted with socialism in the world today. Biographical features showcase some of the world's most important socialists and how they helped shape this revolutionary political system.

A monarchy is a system in which one person holds absolute power over all the people in a country. But how does this idea work in action? This fascinating title looks at monarchy, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares kings and queens past with present monarchs and explores the most intriguing monarchs in world history. Discover the theoretical ideas behind monarchy, how it works in action, and the countries in which this political system is still in place. Clear explanatory text examines how monarchy works in practice along with the theological ideas behind the politics. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore monarchs and monarchy and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about the idea of kingdoms and kingship. The history of rule by monarchs is explored and contrasted with monarchy in the world today. Biographical features showcase some of the world's most famous monarchs, and the often-violent fates that ended their reigns. Monarchy is a must-have introduction to the world of politics.

The parliamentary system evolved from monarchy, yet it involves people in the rule of their country. So how does this complex political system work in action? This fascinating title looks at parliamentary government, its history, and its place in the world today. It compares parliaments past and present and explores the best examples of parliamentary government in world history. Discover the theoretical ideas behind the political system, how it works in action, and the countries in which it is in place. Clear explanatory text examines how parliamentary government works in practice along with the theological ideas behind the politics. Detailed sidebars set out case studies that explore parliaments and ask readers critical-thinking questions to help develop your own thoughts about this system of governance. The history of government by parliamentary control is explored and contrasted with parliaments in the world today. Biographical features showcase some of the world's most important political players in parliaments and how they helped shape this complicated form of political control.