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The British Polity is an engaging and comprehensive survey of the structure and process of British government. Offering an insider's analysis, Philip Norton examines the debates surrounding Britain's political history and culture, constitution, parties and elections, branches of government, media, and relations with the European Union. Throughout, The British Polity follows a theme of continuity and change that draws on historical and institutional knowledge and that helps to explain contemporary British politics. "This is the best book available on British government. Norton explains perfectly how institutions work in practice as well as in theory; he gives a nuanced and balanced picture of both structure and process."-James Alt, Harvard University

British Polity, The, CourseSmart eTextbook

PART I. INTRODUCTION Chapter 1. The Contemporary Landscape Chapter 2. The Political Culture Chapter 3. Past and Present: Historical Perspective and Legacies PART II. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT Chapter 4. The Uncodified Constitution Chapter 5. The Electoral System: Campaigns, Voting, and Voters Chapter 6. Political Parties: More or Less than a Two-Party System? Chapter 7. Interest Groups: Insiders or Outsiders? PART III. GOVERNMENTAL DECISION MAKING Chapter 8. The Executive: Government at the Center Chapter 9. The European Union: Government Above the Center Chapter 10. The New Assemblies: Government Beyond the Center Chapter 11. Local Government: Government Below the Center PART IV. SCRUTINY AND LEGITIMATION Chapter 12. Parliament: Commons and Lords Chapter 13. The Monarchy: Above the Fray? PART V. ENFORCEMENT AND FEEDBACK Chapter 14. Enforcement: The Courts and the Police Chapter 15. Communication and Feedback: The Mass Media PART VI. CONCLUSION Chapter 16. Future directions: The Polity Under challenge