British Politics: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

An interpretative essay on the British political system looks at the key characteristics and ideas of the British tradition, explores what makes British politics distinctive, and considers how the system continues to evolve.
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. From ideas to institutions, and from whips to spin, this Very Short Introduction is a fascinating account of the British political system. As a former Member of Parliament, Tony Wright combines academic expertise with insider knowledge to produce this unique look at British politics today. In this new edition, which is brought right up-to-date and includes a new final chapter, Wright provides a compelling portrait of the distinctive character and evolution of the British political tradition, in light of recent developments and current issues, he also asks some challenging questions about the future prospects of politics in Britain. -- from book flap Content: The Britishness of British politics -- The constitution : old and new -- Arguing : the political conversation -- Governing : the strong centre? -- Representing : is the party over? -- Accounting : heckling the steamroller? -- The end of British politics? This is an interpretative essay on the British political system rather than just an abbreviated textbook on how it currently works. The author identifies key characteristics and ideas of the British tradition