Political systems

How to use this guide

This guide can be read online using the links to its sections above. The full guide can also be downloaded as a PDF (40 pages; 440kB).

The guide includes one-paragraph summaries of key texts. Clicking on the link in a document title will take the reader to a second, longer summary of the document. Direct links to the original text are also given.

About this guide

Political systems are the formal and informal political processes by which decisions are made concerning the use, production and distribution of resources in any given society. Formal political institutions can determine the process for electing leaders; the roles and responsibilities of the executive and legislature; the organisation of political representation (through political parties); and the accountability and oversight of the state. Informal and customary political systems, norms and rules can operate within or alongside these formal political institutions. The development of democratic political systems that provide opportunities for all, including the poor, to influence decision-making, is a critical concern for donors.

This guide considers some of the key questions about how political systems evolve, how they can best foster democratic and inclusive politics, and – crucially for development practitioners – under what conditions they most effectively promote poverty reduction. It focuses on strengthening the accountability, responsiveness and effectiveness of political systems and political governance, and includes guidance and case study materials. The GSDRC’s guide on Political Economy Analysis also deals with these issues.

This guide was prepared by Zoë Scott and Claire Mcloughlin. The GSDRC appreciates the contributions of Professor Brian Smith (Department of Politics, University of Exeter), Dr Martin Rew (International Development Department, University of Birmingham), and Stefan Kossoff (Politics and the State Team, DFID). Comments, questions or documents for consideration should be sent to enquiries@gsdrc.org.

Latest additions

The following document summaries were added in January 2012:

• Horner, L. and Puddephatt, A., 2011, 'Democratic Space in Asia-Pacific: Challenges for Democratic Governance Assistance and Deepening Civic Engagement', Working Paper, UNDP
• Kleist, N., 2011, 'Modern Chiefs: Tradition, Development and Return among Traditional Authorities in Ghana', African Affairs, vol. 110, no. 441, pp.629-647
• Logan, C., 2011, 'The Roots of Resilience: Exploring Popular Support for African Traditional Authorities', Working Paper no. 128, Afrobarometer, South Africa
• Michels, A., 2011, 'Innovations in Democratic Governance: How Does Citizen Participation Contribute to a Better Democracy?', International Review of Administrative Sciences, vol. 77, no. 2 pp. 275-293
• Rocha Menocal, A., 2011, 'Why Electoral Systems Matter: An Analysis of their Incentives and Effects on Key Areas of Governance', Overseas Development Institute (ODI), London
• Siegle, J. et al., 2011, 'Africa and the Arab Spring: A New Era of Democratic Expectations', Special Report, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Washington DC

New additions