Comparative Government and Politics

Paper Code: 
CPOL301
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper studies some model constitutions of the world, other then the European ones. The historical background of individual constitutions is to be emphasized to gain an understanding of its evolution. This paper acquaints the students with the meaning of fundamental institutions of democratic regimes: legislatures, the executive and its bureaucracy, law and judicial systems. Furthermore, the political institutions are to be studied in the light of the political process to gain an understanding of the dynamics of actual politics and policy making.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25CPOL 301 

Comparative Government and Politics

(Theory)

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

CO13:   examine   the value of Comparative Political Science in understanding current events and global socio-economic realities

CO14: create comprehensive understanding of the key differences between parliamentary and presidential systems.

CO15: analyze contemporary electoral process and party system in the democratic countries under consideration in light of the conceptual frameworks presented in class.

CO16: evaluate the features of political systems and to investigate the similarities and differences unitary and federal structures.

CO17: develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities and dynamics of mixed political structures

CO18: contribute effectively in Course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects
 
18.00
Unit I: 
Introduction

The meaning, nature, scope, and significance of comparative politics,

 traditional and modern approaches of comparative politics; Comparing Regimes: Authoritarian and Democratic

 

 

18.00
Unit II: 
Classifications of political systems

Parliamentary and Presidential: UK and USA

18.00
Unit III: 
Classifications of political systems

Federal and Unitary: Canada and China 

18.00
Unit IV: 
Classifications of political systems

mixed political system: France and Sri Lanka

                                                            

18.00
Unit V: 
Electoral and Party Systems

First past the post, proportional representation, mixed systems

Party Systems: one-party, two-party and multi-party systems

 

Essential Readings: 

Ø  Bhagwan,V. and Bhushan, V.,(2022), World Constitutions, New Delhi,Sterling Publishers

Ø  Caramani,D.(2020), Comparative Politics,Oxford University Press

Ø  Mahajan,V.D., (2017), Select Modern Governments, New Delhi ,S. Chand & Co

Ø  Blondel, J,(2014) Comparative Government Introduction, New York, Routledge.

Ø  Biswal, Tapan, (et. al.),(2013) Comparative Politics- Institutions and Processes, New Delhi: Macmillan,

Ø  Kapur,A.C., and Mishra, K.K.,(2010), Select Constitutions,New Delhi, S Chand.

Hague, R. and Harrop, M. (2010) Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction. (Eight Edition). London: Palgrave McMillan

References: 

 Ø  Austin,F.O. & Ray, P.O., (1964),Essentials of American Government, Appleton- Century- Crofts, University of Virginia

Ø  Bryce,J,(1921), Modern Democracies, New Delhi,The Macmillan Company

Ø  Dicey,AV, (1885),The Law of the Constitution, Oxford,Oxford University Press

Ø  Finer,H,(1932),The Theory and Practice of Modern Government, New York,The Dial Press

Academic Year: 
2025-26
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