The textbook covers the origins and nature of comparative politics, the theoretical tools of political research, as well as the main areas of their application: political culture and participation, interest groups, political parties, elections, the executive branch, parliaments and non-elected authorities. The educational material is richly illustrated with examples from the political life of various countries and statistical data. For students of higher educational institutions studying in the direction and specialty "Political Science", graduate students, teachers and researchers, as well as for anyone interested in the problems of the political life of society.