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The US political system is designed to ensure that freedom and opportunity will always be protected, by making it almost impossible for power to become concentrated in the hands of a few people seeking to run society for their own benefit. Have these aims been achieved?The answer is that Americans have sharply contrasting views on how well their political system works. They disagreed with each other when they established the system at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and have continued to disagree ever since. This book covers the key issues, political systems and governing institutions at the heart of these disagreements, outlining the thinking behind the main points of view, to help its readers decide for themselves which viewpoint they find most persuasive.This new edition of the best-selling introduction to US Government and Politics has been completely revised and updated to reflect the changes in the area since the election of the new President.

The only up-to-date introduction to the politics of devolution in the UKNew for this edition:* Revised and updated throughout * New case studies and tables * New sections on topics including English regionalism, the London Mayor, the Calman Commission, Labour and the Welsh Assembly, and Ian PaisleyThe political landscape of the UK was altered dramatically with the devolution of power to London, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This introduction to the major changes caused by devolution looks at both the historical background and contemporary political events. It assesses the operation, strengths and weaknesses of the devolved state, and uses relevant case studies to illustrate the more complex ideas.

Looks at parties' organisation, policy, support and impact, from the major parties to the localThis introductory textbook examines the factors contributing to parties' fortunes and identities, and the causes of recent changes in both. Parties studied include: The main parties: Conservatives and Labour The minor parties: the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the GreensThe peripheral parties: the BNP, UKIP, SSP and SLPLocal parties: Kidderminster Health and Hospital Concern, the Morecambe Bay Independents and Mebyon KernowHelpful student features include: A short, boxed paragraph of introduction and list of key issues covered in each chapter A brief conclusion summarising what you should have learnt from reading each chapter A glossary of key terms Sample examination questions Helpful websites and suggestions for further reading

Your handy guide to the British political systemNew for this edition Updated throughout to reflect the outcome of the 2010 General ElectionAll relevant case studies and tables replaced with new dataBrand new chapter on Britain and the EUThis one-stop textbook introduction examines the institutions and practices integral to the British political systems and makes comparisons with the experience of other countries.Topics includeThe ConstitutionThe LegislatureThe ExecutiveThe JudiciaryGovernment Beyond the CentrePolitical PartiesPressure GroupsVoting and ElectionsDemocracy in Theory and PracticeBritain and the European Union

A key feature of the New Labour government's constitutional reform agenda has been the introduction of a number of alternative methods of voting for both existing elections and for those to new political institutions. This book examines the workings of these various systems of elections, looking specifically at how they operate within the United Kingdom and their direct impact on representation and governance. It also considers voting behaviour in the UK, with reference to the context of the electoral system being used. In conclusion there is an attempt to discover the extent to which the introduction and operation of different electoral systems has affected voter behaviour.

This introduction to the study of political communication covers the following subjects:*The history of the media in the UK and the USA including the concentration of ownership and the emergence of new media technologies*The relationship between the media and political parties, especially the effect the media has had on the policies and internal power structures of parties and other organisations such as pressure groups*Media influence on the electorate and the conduct of democratic politics*The constitutional significance of the politics of the mediaThe first part of the book focuses on the social context and includes detailed analysis of the processes of political communication today, as well as the impact of these on parties, pressure groups and government. Developments in the US are considered alongside those in the UK. The second part places media politics in their constitutional context, covering issues such as open government and freedom of expression, freedom of information, privacy and human rights. Attempts by the governments of the UK and the US to manipulate and control the media are also explored.

The political scene in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving. This book reflects the most recent changes and synthesises some of the best thinking on the subject. It provides an overview of the politics of Northern Ireland, including detailed coverage of the institutional structure under the Good Friday Agreement and an evaluation of how the institutions operated in practice. Opening with the historical context and discussion of the nature of the conflict, the standpoints of unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism are explored. The evolution of political initiatives since the 1970s is traced, leading to the peace process of the 1990s and culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The period of devolution in Northern Ireland (1999-2002) is evaluated, and the book concludes with coverage of political developments post-suspension, paying particular attention to the on-going debate on changes to the Agreement and the prospects for power-sharing.

Pressure Groups are an increasingly important feature of the political landscape and they are active on many levels, local, national or European. They reflect a diverse compass of interests from the well-known (the National Farmers' Union) to the less familiar (the Zip Fastener Association) and interact with a wide range of political players in different parts of the political system: parties, the media, government and parliament. They are involved at every stage of the political process, from raising issues and agenda setting to policy implementation and monitoring.

This textbook provides an accessible introduction to the subject of Britain and the European Union, paying equal attention to institutions and their relationship with one another. It examines the history and development of the EU, setting the framework for the current relationship; the institutions of the EU and how they affect Britain; and some of the common policies. Subjects covered include: * British Applications and the Referendum on Membership * Institutions of the EU * Common Policies of the EU * The Influence of the EU on Britain * Intergovernmentalism versus Supranationalism * Expansion versus Integration * Public Opinion on the EU * Political Parties and the EU Throughout, the impact of the powers of the EU, and of EU membership on Britain are evaluated from a range of perspectives.

This textbook brings together an introduction to the political theory of democracy since Ancient times and a critical picture of its place in Britain today.The author examines the work of Plato and Aristotle, Rousseau and Mill, Marx and Weber, and locates them and others in the debate about what democracy means. He then scrutinises Britain's claim to be a developing democracy, from the power of the Prime Minister and the role of political parties to the influence of pressure groups and the media, as well as recent constitutional changes.In the context of declining public trust in political institutions and increasing reluctance to vote, crucial questions are tackled: do we have a democracy, and why does it matter? Key Features:*A wide-ranging, accessible introduction to the place of Democracy in Britain today*Divided into two halves: on democratic theory (reflecting its history, development, and key concepts) and democratic practice (examining political institutions)*Offers examples of documentary material to illustrate the ideas presented*Up-to-date: includes material written after the 2005 General Election

This textbook provides an introduction to the topical subject of constitutional change in Britain. It considers the historical origins of the constitution but its main focus is on recent reforms and their likely impact. The key theme running throughout the book is the debate as to whether the constitution has undergone a revolutionary transformation or has gradually evolved.

This book considers the constitutional position of the judiciary and its role in shaping the individual's relations with the state. This textbook provides an important, accessible introduction to an area of current widespread concern.

This introduction to the workings of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is written in light of major recent events and issues such as the war with Iraq, the Hutton Inquiry, the Butler Report, the Blair-Brown relationship, and continuing problems relating to Europe. This insightful volume gives readers an overview of the Blair premiership and the workings of a Labour Cabinet at a time when both are facing increased criticism and pressure.

This book is concerned with the role and powers of American presidents and the way in which the office has evolved since it was created by the Founding Fathers.

A topical and accessible introductory guide to the workings of the UK's Westminster Parliament, in both theory and practice.