British Politics: A Very Short Introduction

by Tony Wright

Overview

"Tony Wright's Very Short Introduction to British Politics is an interpretative essay on the British political system, rather than merely an abbreviated textbook on how it currently works. He identifies key characteristics and ideas of the British tradition, and investigates what makes British politics distinctive, while emphasizing throughout the book how these characteristics are reflected in the way the political system actually functions. Each chapter is organized around a key theme, such as the constitution or political accountability, which is first established and then explored with examples and illustrations. This in turn provides a perspective for a discussion of how the system is changing, looking in particular at devolution and Britain's place in Europe."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191578434
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	05/22/2003
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Tony Wright is Emeritus Professor of Government and Emeritus Professor of Government and Public Policy at UCL. Between 1992 and 2010, he served as a UK Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, and in 2009 chaired the parliamentary committee that produced the 'Wright reforms' of the House of Commons. He is the author or editor of over twenty books, including Doing Politics (Biteback, 2012) and Rethinking Democracy (Wiley, 2019).

Table of Contents

PrefaceList of illustrations1. The Britishness of British politics2. The constitution: old and new3. Arguing: the politics of ideas4. Governing: still the strong centre? 5. Representing: voters and parties6. Accounting: parliament and politicians7. Whither British politicsFurther readingIndex