Introduction; Part I. Historical Background: 1. History; Part II. The Polity: Structures and Institutions of the Regime: 2. The constitutional framework; 3. Multi-level government; 4. Policy-making and policy implementation: executives, legislatures and bureaucrats; Part III. Politics: Citizens, Elites and Interest Mediation: 5. Political culture and behaviour; 6. Interests and interest mediation: voluntary associations and pressure groups; 7. Elections, voting and political parties; Part IV. Policies and Performances: 8. Economic policy; 9. Welfare and rights; 10. Foreign policy; Appendix. The electoral system for the chamber of deputies and the senate.