Previous editions published under title: The background of European governments.

Great Britain.The British Constitution -- The monarchy -- The Prime Minister and cabinet -- The departments and the civil service -- The House of Lords -- The House of Commons -- Parliament at work -- Political parties -- Parliamentary elections -- Law and the courts -- Local government -- France. The constitution -- The cabinet and the administration -- Parliament -- Political parties -- The law and the courts -- The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Communism in Russia -- The Communist Party -- The central government -- The judiciary -- The role of the people -- The economy of the U.S.S.R. -- Germany and Italy. Germany since the war -- The Italian Republic.