First published in 1982 and now appearing in a reorganized and completely updated edition, including data on the 1987 General Election, this work aims to fill a serious gap for students at sixth form and first degree level. It concentrates on the problems inherent in studying political concepts and institutions, and is designed to encourage the reader to think. Each chapter ends with questions for class discussion and suggestions for further reading. The book is based on three case studies - Britain, the USA, and the Soviet Union - providing concrete examples of the political themes it discusses: socialization and participation, the political relevance of the judiciary, the police and the military, international politics and centre-periphery relations. It is intended for first-year students of politics in universities and polytechnics.