Książki

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 poorEach 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.

Government and Politics in Britain

PrefaceAcknowledgements1 Introduction: Studying PoliticsPART I POLITICS IN CONTEXT2 Ideology: The Western Tradition3 Ideology: Beyond the Western Tradition4 The Constitution: the Unwritten and the Unknowable5 The Global Context: This Sceptred Isle6 Britain and Europe: Awkward Partners?7 The European Union: Anatomy of a Superstate?PART II MOBILIZING THE DEMOS8 The Social Context: Our Divided Society9 Mind Politics: What We Think10 The Machinery of Democracy: the Electoral System11 The Vox Populi: How People Vote12 The Political Parties: Masses, Leaders and Powers behind Thrones13 Party Politics: From Elites to Mass ParticipationPART III GOVERNMENT AT THE CENTRE14 Pomp and Circumstance: Monarchy, Lords and Commoners15 Parliament at Work: Not to Reason Why16 The Heart of Government: of Cabinets and Kings17 The Village of Whitehall: of Ministers and Mandarins18 Getting and Spending: the Politics of Public Expenditure19 The Politics of Influence: Who Gets What, When, How?PART IV THE OUTER REACHES OF THE STATE: WORLDS BEYOND WHITEHALL20 Territorial Politics: A Disunited Kingdom?21 The Grass Roots of Democracy: Local Government22 Trials and Errors: Justice and Politics23 The Coercive State: the Politics of Law and Order24 Thinking HolisticallyChronology of eventsGlossaryBibliographyIndex