Nes systems can be influenced by a federal structure or a dominant position of the head of state. All contributions include chapters on the following topics: constitutional development and constitutional principles, head of state, parliament, government and administration, legislative process, electoral system and voter behavior, party system and intra-party decision-making, interest groups and interest representation, mass media, political culture and political participation, legal system (if applicable, particularly constitutional jurisdiction), regional and local politics, European policy, and international relations. Additionally, there may be chapters on direct democratic procedures or the ombudsman. Reflecting its significance for modern legal and social democratic states, the legislative process is dedicated a separate chapter, which addresses both formal and informal aspects.