Haha, can’t say really, as the references obviously wouldn’t jar with me. I don’t think it’s hard to follow - clearly the political structures and therefore game plays are different but if I can pick up your politics, I’m sure you can follow our 
The big difference, and played to dramatic effect, is that the Prime Minister isn’t as ivory towered as a President is (as they aren’t directly elected by the people) which makes some of the behind the scenes jostling more dramatic. In the US version, the President seems an untouchable figure, with Underwood trying to play around him and manipulate where he can, but ultimately the POTUS is the boss. The original was set (and made) just after Margaret Thatcher has been toppled by her own party, as a reference to the tensions of the times.