This accessible introduction to the system of public administration uses a clear, country by country analysis to the contemporary system of public administration and management in a number of significant countries. This text examines the extent to which new public management, politicians and public opinion can influence bureaucracies in various countries; in addition, it explores the role of public administration systems within the wider political systems and democratic frameworks of their states. The new edition revises and updates several of the original country studies including: the United States, France, the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Italy, and adds three more chapters on Greece, Russia, India and China. Each chapter is written to a common framework which makes comparison easier and covers the following issues: Political culture The Constitutional framework The civil service Public sector agencies Federal and local government Financing the system Co-ordination of the system Managing the system Accountability, secrecy and openness Democracy Further developments and the financial crash This student-friendly volume is a highly valuable resource for students of Politics and Administration. This textbook is essential reading for students of comparative public administration.