British Politics: The Basics

The second edition of this book provides an in-depth analysis of British political life,from the absolute monarchy to representative democracy,and includes coverage of recent events such as the EU referendum and Brexit. It is a valuable resource for A-level students,undergraduates,and anyone interested in British politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 446 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Fully revised and expanded, the second edition of this concise yet comprehensive text on British politics skillfully examines the significant transformations in British political life, contextualizing them within the remarkable evolution of British society from an absolute monarchy to a representative democracy. The author delves into each crucial aspect of British politics in easily digestible chapters, encompassing the Monarchy and the House of Lords, the Commons, voting behavior, parties and pressure groups, the prime minister and cabinet, devolution, local government, and foreign policy. The book also includes two new chapters on the EU referendum and Brexit, as well as comprehensive coverage of events such as the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing challenges faced by the increasingly divided two major political parties. This accessible and comprehensive introduction holds immense value for A-level students, undergraduates, and those embarking on the study of British politics.

Introduction:
The study of British politics is a fascinating and dynamic field that encompasses the political landscape of the United Kingdom. This concise yet comprehensive text aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key aspects of British politics, from the monarchy to the House of Lords, the Commons, voting behavior, parties and pressure groups, the prime minister and cabinet, devolution, local government, and foreign policy.

The Monarchy and the House of Lords:
The monarchy plays a significant role in British politics, although its political power has diminished over time. The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who has been the reigning monarch since 6 February 1952. The House of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament and consists of members appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. While the House of Lords has some legislative powers, its role is primarily advisory.

The Commons:
The Commons is the lower house of the British Parliament and is directly elected by the British public. Members of the Commons are elected for five-year terms and represent their constituencies. The Commons is responsible for making laws and passing the budget.

Voting Behavior:
British voters have a strong tradition of participating in elections, with high turnout rates. The United Kingdom uses a first-past-the-post voting system, which means that the candidate with the most votes wins the election. However, there have been calls for a more proportional voting system to reflect the diversity of political opinions in the country.

Parties and Pressure Groups:
British politics is dominated by two major political parties, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. These parties have a long history and have played a significant role in shaping British politics. Other political parties, such as the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and the Green Party, also have a presence in British politics. Pressure groups, such as campaign groups and interest groups, also play a role in shaping political debate and policy.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet:
The Prime Minister is the head of the government and is responsible for implementing government policies. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is a group of senior ministers who advise the Prime Minister on policy and decision-making.

Devolution:
Devolution is a process by which power is devolved from the central government to regional governments. In the United Kingdom, devolution has taken place in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these regions has its own government and parliament, with powers over areas such as education, healthcare, and local government.

Local Government:
Local government is the third tier of government in the United Kingdom and is responsible for providing services such as education, housing, and waste management. Local government is divided into local authorities, which are responsible for specific areas.

Foreign Policy:
British foreign policy is shaped by a range of factors, including the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). The UK has a history of involvement in international affairs and has played a key role in shaping global politics.

Conclusion:
British politics is a complex and dynamic field that has undergone significant changes over time. This concise yet comprehensive text provides a valuable introduction to the key aspects of British politics, from the monarchy to the House of Lords, the Commons, voting behavior, parties and pressure groups, the prime minister and cabinet, devolution, local government, and foreign policy. By understanding the political landscape of the United Kingdom, we can better appreciate the role that Britain plays in global politics and the challenges that it faces in the 21st century.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367189549
Edition number: 2 New edition