Overview
This book provides a concise but definitive introduction to the shape of Britain's political institutions and processes following the 2010 general election. The new edition has been comprehensively rewritten throughout and is richly supported with features to aid learning.
New to this edition:
* Includes a comprehensive and fully up-to-date examination of the British political system, including the 2010 General Election
* Includes coverage of the significant developments and events in British politics, such as the financial crisis, the expenses crisis, the rise of nationalist parties and continued debates about Britain's place in Europe
* Features a number of 'comparative politics' boxes, which highlight differences and similarities with other political systems
* Each chapter concludes with a full summary of key points, questions for discussion and further reading
Synopsis
The early 21st century has already witnessed major events and issues in British politics including the Iraq war and its aftermath, European Union enlargement, the 7 July 2005 London bombings and new leaders for the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. The country's government machinery is also changing in face of the challenges of multi-level governance, as less power is concentrated in the familiar territories of Westminster and Whitehall. The introduction of new electoral systems and emergence of a new multi-party political system have done little to lessen apathy amongst voters, while a minority have become increasingly attracted to other forms of direct political participation.
Incorporating a wealth of figures, tables, graphs and photos, British Politics provides a clear and confident guide to a political system in a state of change. User-friendly and fully up to date in its coverage, this new book applies the accessible style of its predecessor, Contemporary British Politics, to the fast-changing British political arena of today.