Robert Elgie Bücher

Focusing on the institutions of the Fifth Republic, this core text offers undergraduates a clear introduction to contemporary French government and politics. It details the legal and constitutional powers of political institutions and the party system, while also exploring decision-making procedures and practices. Additionally, it outlines the evolution of the political system since 1958, providing essential context for understanding the complexities of France's political landscape.

Exploring the dynamics of political leadership, this book examines how a leader's personality interacts with their contextual challenges. It delves into the philosophical foundations that influence the study of leadership, offering insights into why certain leaders exhibit greater strength than others. By analyzing these interactions, the text provides a framework for understanding the complexities of political power and the varying effectiveness of leaders in different environments.

Divided government occurs when the executive fails to enjoy majority support in at least one working house of the legislature. This book examines the frequency, causes and management of divided government.

Focusing on the interplay between political leadership and institutions, this book employs a multi-method approach to explore how different systems, like presidentialism and parliamentarism, influence leader behavior and voter choice. It features a laboratory experiment, a large-n statistical study, expert surveys, and in-depth case studies from France and Romania. Grounded in American pragmatism, it aims to provide scholars and students with insights into the causes of leadership outcomes, emphasizing the importance of institutional contexts.