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Full Description
The long-awaited fourth edition of this hugely popular textbook offers a uniquely comprehensive and illuminating introduction to government and politics in Britain today.
Set against the turbulent background of a world in economic, ideological and religious flux, the book analyses key developments in twenty-first-century British politics - from the collapse of the longest-serving Labour government to the challenges posed by coalition politics and the decline of public trust in the ruling class. At the heart of the analysis is the issue of power: what is it and who has it?
Fully revised and updated throughout, its 24 chapters explore issues at the cutting edge of political change and debate in Britain, including:
Challenges to the unity of the UK and increasing uncertainty over its world role
Disillusionment with traditional politics
Changing patterns of political communication
Identity crises within the political parties
Threats facing the traditional institutions of government
Tensions posed by austerity, social unrest and a growing gap between rich and poor
Each chapter concludes with a summary, a set of key terms and concepts, questions for discussion, weblinks, and a guide to further reading, plus suggestions for novels, plays and films that will mix the business of study with pleasure and illustrate how politics affects most aspects of our lives.
Widely acknowledged for its sharply critical edge and capacity to enthuse students, Government and Politics in Britain goes beyond mere facts to challenge conventional orthodoxies. Blending penetrating analysis with a witty and thought-provoking style, it will be essential reading for all students new to this fascinating and important subject.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction: Studying Politics
PART I POLITICS IN CONTEXT
2 Ideology: The Western Tradition
3 Ideology: Beyond the Western Tradition
4 The Constitution: the Unwritten and the Unknowable
5 The Global Context: This Sceptred Isle
6 Britain and Europe: Awkward Partners?
7 The European Union: Anatomy of a Superstate?
PART II MOBILIZING THE DEMOS
8 The Social Context: Our Divided Society
9 Mind Politics: What We Think
10 The Machinery of Democracy: the Electoral System
11 The Vox Populi: How People Vote
12 The Political Parties: Masses, Leaders and Powers behind Thrones
13 Party Politics: From Elites to Mass Participation
PART III GOVERNMENT AT THE CENTRE
14 Pomp and Circumstance: Monarchy, Lords and Commoners
15 Parliament at Work: Not to Reason Why
16 The Heart of Government: of Cabinets and Kings
17 The Village of Whitehall: of Ministers and Mandarins
18 Getting and Spending: the Politics of Public Expenditure
19 The Politics of Influence: Who Gets What, When, How?
PART IV THE OUTER REACHES OF THE STATE: WORLDS BEYOND WHITEHALL
20 Territorial Politics: A Disunited Kingdom?
21 The Grass Roots of Democracy: Local Government
22 Trials and Errors: Justice and Politics
23 The Coercive State: the Politics of Law and Order
24 Thinking Holistically
Chronology of events
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
