Politics Study Guides – serie

This textbook provides an introduction to the topical subject of constitutional change in Britain. It considers the historical origins of the constitution but its main focus is on recent reforms and their likely impact.It includes chapters on:*The Legislature: The House of Commons and the House of Lords*The Executive*The Judiciary*The Debate over a Written Constitution and a Bill of Rights for the UK*Devolution: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the English Regions*Electoral Reform and Referenda*The European Union and the United Kingdom Constitution*The ‘Hollowing Out of the State’The key theme running throughout the book is the debate as to whether the constitution has undergone a revolutionary transformation or has gradually evolved.Key Features:*Includes up-to-date examples of constutional change in Britain*Offers a readable, stimulating and provocative introduction to the subject*Covers all the major issues surrounding the constitution in Britain

This topical and accessible introductory guide to the workings of the UK's Westminster Parliament outlines the history, structure and functions of the Parliament and provides a topical evaluation of how well those functions are performed. Special attention is paid to the relationships the Parliament has with the government, the EU, devolved bodies, and the courts. There is also an analysis of the impact of recent and possible future Parliamentary reforms.Subjects covered include:The UK Parliamentary SystemThe House of LordsThe House of Commons: Law-Making; Representing the People; Scrutinising the ExecutiveThe Parliament and the European UnionThe Parliament and the Devolved Bodies of the UKThe Parliament and the CourtsThe Future of Parliament in an Age of Reform

This book considers the constitutional position of the judiciary and its role in shaping the individual’s relations with the state. Analyses the history of civil liberties and human rights in the UK, and the judiciary’s role in upholding themShows the impact of the Human Rights Act of 1998 on the judiciary’s relations with the parliament and the executiveExplains the importance of political accountability and open government in the protection of liberty, together with recent legislative reforms in these areasExplores why important critics believe fundamental freedoms are at risk in the UK in the post 9/11 and 7/7 atmosphereCompares Britain, the USA and European countries in their attempts to create legal frameworks to protect civil liberties and human rights

This introduction to the workings of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is written in light of major recent events and issues such as the war with Iraq, the Hutton Inquiry, the Butler Report, the Blair–Brown relationship, and continuing problems relating to Europe. These are presented in the context of the origins of the office of Prime Minister and the development of Cabinet government.Key issues covered include:*The nature of Prime Ministerial power*The continuing debate surrounding the nature of the Cabinet and decision-making*The development and workings of the core executive*Changes since the 2005 general election*The continued impact of UK membership of the EUThis insightful volume gives readers an overview of the Blair premiership and the workings of a Labour Cabinet at a time when both are facing increased criticism and pressure.Key Features:*Takes account of the impact of the 2005 general election*Considers issues central to the Blair government: Iraq, personal honesty, leadership manoeuvring, and the probable nature of the government Blair will leave behind him*Offers close analysis of Blair's 'inner court' of advisers*Presents an up-to-date overview of Blair's political style

This textbook brings together an introduction to the political theory of democracy since Ancient times and a critical picture of its place in Britain today.The author examines the work of Plato and Aristotle, Rousseau and Mill, Marx and Weber, and locates them and others in the debate about what democracy means. He then scrutinises Britain’s claim to be a developing democracy, from the power of the Prime Minister and the role of political parties to the influence of pressure groups and the media, as well as recent constitutional changes.In the context of declining public trust in political institutions and increasing reluctance to vote, crucial questions are tackled: do we have a democracy, and why does it matter? Key Features:*A wide-ranging, accessible introduction to the place of Democracy in Britain today*Divided into two halves: on democratic theory (reflecting its history, development, and key concepts) and democratic practice (examining political institutions)*Offers examples of documentary material to illustrate the ideas presented*Up-to-date: includes material written after the 2005 General Election

This accessible, user-friendly and bang-up-to-date introduction to International Politics blends key facts and terms with strong analytical commentary, examining the debates and issues of greatest relevance to the study of the subject.Focusing on the period since 1900, the book provides detailed coverage of key events from the origins of the First World War to the post-Cold War international order. Written in a clear and jargon-free style, particular features include:*The shift from Great Powers to Superpowers in the first half of the twentieth century*The Cold War and post-Cold War order*A fresh approach to understanding the relevancy of theory*State and non-state actors*The challenge of globalization*Order, justice and security in International PoliticsThis clear and authoritative account of International Politics benefits from an exhaustive list of boxes, tables and figures, as well as extensive cross-referencing throughout. This book is an essential guide to understanding the challenges that face world peace and security in the twenty-first century.

Pressure Groups are an increasingly important feature of the political landscape and they are active on many levels, local, national or European. They reflect a diverse compass of interests from the well-known (the National Farmers' Union) to the less familiar (the Zip Fastener Association) and interact with a wide range of political players in different parts of the political system: parties, the media, government and parliament. They are involved at every stage of the political process, from raising issues and agenda setting to policy implementation and monitoring.Subjects covered include:*Classifying pressure groups*How pressure groups operate*Pressure group resources*Trends in pressure group activity*Protest politics and direct action*Pressure groups and the Scottish Parliament*Pressure groups and the European Union*The abolition of hunting with dogs*Pressure groups and democracyThis book provides an accessible guide to the role of Pressure Groups in our democracy, establishing clear definitions and analysing their role and performance. It includes the findings of recent research into the workings of British pressure groups in the European Union and of the ways in which lobbyists consult with the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice.Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) will be evaluated, and the book will conclude with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing.Readers will gain:• An impartial understanding of Northern Irish politics• The confidence to use some of the more complicated political concepts in their study of the subject• An ability to go beyond understanding and analyse, question and discuss Northern Irish politics

Looks at parties' organisation, policy, support and impact, from the major parties to the localThis introductory textbook examines the factors contributing to parties' fortunes and identities, and the causes of recent changes in both. Parties studied include: The main parties: Conservatives and Labour The minor parties: the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the GreensThe peripheral parties: the BNP, UKIP, SSP and SLPLocal parties: Kidderminster Health and Hospital Concern, the Morecambe Bay Independents and Mebyon KernowHelpful student features include: A short, boxed paragraph of introduction and list of key issues covered in each chapter A brief conclusion summarising what you should have learnt from reading each chapter A glossary of key terms Sample examination questions Helpful websites and suggestions for further reading

This introduction to the study of political communication covers the following subjects:*The history of the media in the UK and the USA including the concentration of ownership and the emergence of new media technologies*The relationship between the media and political parties, especially the effect the media has had on the policies and internal power structures of parties and other organisations such as pressure groups*Media influence on the electorate and the conduct of democratic politics*The constitutional significance of the politics of the mediaThe first part of the book focuses on the social context and includes detailed analysis of the processes of political communication today, as well as the impact of these on parties, pressure groups and government. Developments in the US are considered alongside those in the UK. The second part places media politics in their constitutional context, covering issues such as open government and freedom of expression, freedom of information, privacy and human rights. Attempts by the governments of the UK and the US to manipulate and control the media are also explored.

A key feature of the New Labour government’s constitutional reform agenda has been the introduction of a number of alternative methods of voting for both existing elections and for those to new political institutions. This book examines the workings of these various systems of elections, looking specifically at how they operate within the United Kingdom and their direct impact on representation and governance. It also considers voting behaviour in the UK, with reference to the context of the electoral system being used. In conclusion there is an attempt to discover the extent to which the introduction and operation of different electoral systems has affected voter behaviour.Key Features:*A lively and up-to-date integration of the theory and the practice of elections in the UK*Recognises the national and regional diversity of the subject matter*Reflects the needs of students studying different parts of the United Kingdom

The US political system is designed to ensure that freedom and opportunity will always be protected, by making it almost impossible for power to become concentrated in the hands of a few people seeking to run society for their own benefit. Have these aims been achieved?The answer is that Americans have sharply contrasting views on how well their political system works. They disagreed with each other when they established the system at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and have continued to disagree ever since. This book covers the key issues, political systems and governing institutions at the heart of these disagreements, outlining the thinking behind the main points of view, to help its readers decide for themselves which viewpoint they find most persuasive.This new edition of the best-selling introduction to US Government and Politics has been completely revised and updated to reflect the changes in the area since the election of the new President.Key Features*Presents a readable, accessible but academically stimulating introduction to the government and politics of the USA*Evaluates the US political system through the topics of: the Constitution; Race; the Supreme Court; Federalism; Elections; Political Parties; Pressure Groups; Congress; The Presidency

Your handy guide to the British political systemNew for this editionUpdated throughout to reflect the outcome of the 2010 General ElectionAll relevant case studies and tables replaced with new dataBrand new chapter on Britain and the EUThis one-stop textbook introduction examines the institutions and practices integral to the British political systems and makes comparisons with the experience of other countries.Topics includeThe ConstitutionThe LegislatureThe ExecutiveThe JudiciaryGovernment Beyond the CentrePolitical PartiesPressure GroupsVoting and ElectionsDemocracy in Theory and PracticeBritain and the European Union

Your handy guide to the British political systemNew for this editionUpdated throughout to reflect the outcome of the 2010 General ElectionAll relevant case studies and tables replaced with new dataBrand new chapter on Britain and the EUThis one-stop textbook introduction examines the institutions and practices integral to the British political systems and makes comparisons with the experience of other countries.Topics includeThe ConstitutionThe LegislatureThe ExecutiveThe JudiciaryGovernment Beyond the CentrePolitical PartiesPressure GroupsVoting and ElectionsDemocracy in Theory and PracticeBritain and the European Union

The only up-to-date introduction to the politics of devolution in the UKNew for this edition: - Revised and updated throughout - New case studies and tables - New sections on topics including English regionalism, the London Mayor, the Calman Commission, Labour and the Welsh Assembly, and Ian Paisley. The political landscape of the UK was altered dramatically with the devolution of power to London, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This introduction to the major changes caused by devolution looks at both the historical background and contemporary political events. It assesses the operation, strengths and weaknesses of the devolved state, and uses relevant case studies to illustrate the more complex ideas.

Looks at parties' organisation, policy, support and impact, from the major parties to the localThis introductory textbook examines the factors contributing to parties' fortunes and identities, and the causes of recent changes in both. Parties studied include: The main parties: Conservatives and Labour The minor parties: the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the GreensThe peripheral parties: the BNP, UKIP, SSP and SLPLocal parties: Kidderminster Health and Hospital Concern, the Morecambe Bay Independents and Mebyon KernowHelpful student features include: A short, boxed paragraph of introduction and list of key issues covered in each chapter A brief conclusion summarising what you should have learnt from reading each chapter A glossary of key terms Sample examination questions Helpful websites and suggestions for further reading

This updated guide examines the different relationships between the various tiers of government in the UK and the EU, and how the EU's powers affect the UK, from a range of perspectives. It evaluates the role of the media, political parties, pressure groups, social media and the ever-changing position of public opinion, and places the relationship in its historical context to show how it has evolved over time. Each chapter includes an introduction, learning goals, a glossary, likely exam questions, helpful websites and suggestions for further reading. This new edition has two new chapters, 'Europeanisation' and 'The British Media and the EU', includes the fallout from the 2015 UK Parliament general election and the 2014 European Parliament election and draws on freshly updated examples, tables and figures updated throughout.

The presidency is a complex topic for study, not least because it defies simple explanations. It is unique and evolving, elastic and changing. Different occupants mould the presidency to suit their own needs and the national requirements of the time. Sometimes, the circumstances have been ripe for an extension of presidential power, for the challenges have called for assertive and dynamic leadership. At others, the notions of separated and shared powers have served to constrain the presidency.This book is concerned with the role and powers of American presidents and the way in which the office has evolved since it was created by the Founding Fathers. Whilst acknowledging that there has been a broad increase in presidential power from the time of the first incumbent, it aims to highlight the waxing and waning of power in that period. It seeks to show how personality, conception of the office and circumstances have influenced the ability of presidents to chart the direction in which they have wished to travel and their ability to implement their programme.Key Features*A short and accessible introduction to the subject with no serious rival*A lucid, lively and engaging introduction to the presidency and those who have occupied it*An interpretative work of sound academic repute*Incorporates the various theories of and the latest research about the nature of presidential power