This course introduces students to the main themes of comparative government and politics. It explores the principles underlying modern systems of governance, and the design and function of political institutions as instruments of collective decision making and action. The course focuses on the formal institutions of government which structure the boundaries of political competition. It examines the legal structure of government, the nature of different types of government and the nature of federal and decentralised systems.

After comparing authoritarian and democratic systems, the course introduces students to the various institutions of democratic government, including the relationship between the executive and parliament. The role of the judiciary, elections and political parties are examined in subsequent weeks. Case studies of China and Indonesia provide an opportunity for students to investigate political institutions, including institutional reform, in two very different political systems: one-Party authoritarian versus multi-party democratic. The course concludes by exploring the relationship between government and civil society and the significance of globalisation for democratic governance.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Compare and contrast different systems of government.

• Understand the effects of institutional choice on political outcomes.

• Debate the contributions of constitutions and the judiciary to democratic politics.

• Understand how political systems are divided territorially.

• Relate theories of governance to specific case studies.

• Critically analyse articles on governance issues.
• Prepare a policy paper for public authorities.

Assessment items: critical review (30%), short answer quiz (20%), and essay (40%). A participation mark of 10% is also awarded based on contributions to tutorials.

Delivery Mode:

On Campus.