1. Politics in western Europe: contexts and patterns / Geoffrey Roberts -- 2. The democratic political process / Geoffrey Roberts -- 3. Sources of political conflict / Patricia Hogwood -- 4. Electoral systems / Geoffrey Roberts -- 5. Linkage organisations: political parties / Geoffrey Roberts -- 6. Linkage organisations: interest groups / Geoffrey Roberts -- 7. Executive government: parliaments / Patricia Hogwood -- 8. Accountable government: parliaments / Patricia Hogwood -- 9. Constitutionalism, judicial review and civil rights / Patricia Hogwood -- 10. Federalism, devolution and local government / Geoffrey Roberts -- 11. The European Union and the member states / Patricia Hogwood -- 12. Democracy in western Europe: stability and political change / Patricia Hogwood