The aim of this subject is to study from a comparative approach the main features of some of the most relevant political systems. In that regard, we will pay special attention to the United Kingdom, USA, France and Germany. We are going to analyze the role played by structures, actors and political dynamics in each country applying the knowledge acquired in other subjects. Moreover, we will see the importance of the comparative method as a tool for the study of Political Sciences and the comparison between complex political systems.

C1. To learn the main theories and the methodological aspects of comparative politics.

C2. Characteristics and classification of contemporary political systems based on their main functional and organizational features.

C3. Distinguishing the specific features of certain political systems chosen in accordance with their relevance.

C4. Developing capacities of critical reasoning and argumentation.

Moreover, we will deal with the next transversal and key competences:

C5. To apply the main basis of comparative politics to the study of political systems and changes in the state and the public administration.

C6. Understanding the impact of ideologies, pressure groups and social movements in the political process.

1. Comparative politics and the comparative method

2. The political system as a result of the historical process.

3. Parliamentarian, presidential and semi-presidential form of governments.

4. Territorial organization from a comparative approach.

5. Political cultures and subcultures.

6. Party systems from a comparative approach.

7. Contemporary multidimensional and empiric comparison

We will combine lectures with activities and different types of exercises (readings, debates, video analysis, presentations etc.). Lectures will entail 5.3 credits whereas exercise will involve 0.7 credits.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 50

Continuous evaluation:



1. Exam (%50)

2. Activities and different types of exercises (%50)

In accordance with the article 8.3 of Students Evaluation Regulation, the students who would like to opt out of the continuous evaluation and take the final exam should write to the responsible professor within the first nine weeks since the beginning of the term.

Final evaluation will consist of:

1. Exam (%50)

2. Exercises (test and/or practices) (%50).

In accordance with the article 12.2 of Students Evaluation Regulation, students can opt out of sitting the exam a month before the end of the course. In such a case, students will submit a written resignation to the responsible professor.

Extraordinary evaluation will consist of:

1. Exam (%50)

2. Exercises (test and/or practices) (%50).

ALMOND, Gabriel y POWELL, Bingham. 2008. Comparative Politics Today. A World View. 9th Edition. New York, Longman. 321 COM
LANDMAN Todd. 2011. Política Comparada. Una introducción a su objeto y métodos de investigación. Madrid, Alianza.
LIJPAHRT, Arend. 2012. Modelos de Democracia. Barcelona: Ariel.
PASQUINO, Gianfranco. 2004. Sistemas Políticos Comparados: Francia, Alemania, Gran Bretaña, Italia y Estados Unidos. Buenos Aires, Bononia University Press. (321PAS)
SARTORI, Giovanni y MORLINO, Leonardo (eds.). 1994. La comparación en las ciencias sociales. Madrid, Alianza. (303 COM )
WATTS, Ronald L. 2006. Sistemas federales comparados. Madrid, Marcial Pons

Basic bibliography

AGUILERA DE PRAT, Cesáreo R. y MARTÍNEZ, Rafael. 2000. Sistemas de Gobierno, partidos y territorio. Madrid, Tecnos.

ALCANTARA, Manuel. 1999. Sistemas Políticos de América Latina. Madrid, Tecnos.

BOIX, Carles y STOKES, Susan C. 2007. The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Politics. New York, Oxford University Press. 321 OXF

CARAMANI, Daniele. 2017. Comparative Politics. New York, Oxford University Press. 321 COM

COLOMER, Josep M. 1995. La Política Europa: Introducción a las instituciones de quince países. Barcelona: Ariel, Barcelona.

DROGUS, Carol Ann y ORVIS, Stephen. 2008. Introducing comparative politics. Concepts and cases in context. CQ Press. (321.01 DRO)

GALLAGHER, Michael, LAVER, Michael y MAIR, Peter. 2006. Representative government in modern Europe. Institutions, parties and governments. Singapore: McGraw-Hill.

MARKS, Gary; HOOGHE, Liesbet y SCHAKEL, Arjan J. 2008. Measuring Regional Authority. Regional & Federal Studies, 18 (2): 111-121.

LIJPHART, Arend. 2008. Thinking About Democracy. Power sharing and majority rule in theory and practice. Nueva York:

Routledge.

SANCHEZ MEDERO, Gema y SANCHEZ MEDERO, Rubén. 2013. Sistemas políticos en Europa. Valencia, Tirant loBlanch.

SARTORI, Giovanni. 2005. Partidos y sistemas de partidos: Marco para un análisis. Madrid, Alianza. (SBC 329 PAR)

In-depth bibliography

CAVERO, Iñigo y ZAMORA, Tomás. 1996. Los sistemas políticos. Madrid, Universitas.
GARCÍA COTARELO, R., ROMÁN MARUGÁN, P. and MALDONADO GAGO, J., 1993. Sistemas políticos de la Unión Europea: con inclusión de Estados Unidos y Japón. 1 edn. Madrid: Universitas, D.L. 1993.
KRIESI, Hanspeter et al. 2008. West european politics in the age of globalisation: six countries compared. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McGARRY J. y O’LEARY, B. (2006a): “Consociational Theory, Northern Ireland’s Conflict, and its Agreement. Part 1: What Consociationalist Can Learn from Northern Ireland”, Government and Opposition, 41 (1): 43-63.
McGARRY J. y O’LEARY, B. (2006b): “Consociational Theory, Northern Ireland’s Conflict, and its Agreement 2. What Critics of Consociation Can Learn from Northern Ireland”, Government and Opposition, 41 (2): 249-277.

Journals

Comparative Political Studies
European Journal of Political Research
Party Politics
Revista Española de Ciencia Política
West European Politics.

Web addresses

http://www.europeansocialsurvey.org/
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion
www.undp.org
http://www.idea.int/
http://www.parliament.uk/
http://www.house.gov/
http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/
http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/index.html
https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2011
http://www.electionista.com