This is the first comprehensive textbook on the market to cover the A/S level politics syllabuses offered by the main examination boards. Written in clear, accessible, easy to understand language, with checklists, bullet points, chapter summaries, boxes and charts, revision notes and sample examination questions, as well as further sources of information, in both written form and on the web, this is the perfect information source for students preparing for the A/S level politics examination. The book starts by giving a basic introduction to politics including a definition of what politics is, the nature of government and the basic concepts of politics and political action. It goes on to deal with popular participation, including democracy, elections, the electoral system and referendums, political parties including their role and functions, ideologies, theories and traditions of UK parties, the current state of the parties with regard to policy, and the work of parties at local, national and European level.