Introduction to British Politics

Preface. 1. Introducing British Politics. What is Power? Perspectives on Political Power What is Britain? Organization of the Book References and Guide to Further Reading Part I: The Constitutional System, Political Parties and Elections. 2. The Changing Constitution and the Rules of the Political Game. Introduction The Constitution and State Power What is the British Constitution? How to Study the Constitution The Origins of the Constitution The Balanced Constitution The Liberal Constitution The Liberal-Democratic Constitution: Representative Democracy Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 3. The Party System, Political Parties and Party Funding. Introduction The Functions of the Political Parties The Classification of Party Systems The British Party System Party Development and Social Cleavages Party Organization British Political Parties Party Funding Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 4. Choosing our Leaders 1: The Sociology of Voting. Introduction Voting Studies Party Identification Theory and Social Class Dealignment and 'New' Cleavages Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 5. Choosing our Leaders 2: The Economics, Geography and Politics of Voting. Introduction The Economics of Politics: Public Choice Theory and Rational Choice The Geography of Voting The Politics of Voting: Labour and the 1997 General Election Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading Part II: Pressures, Power and the State. 6. Influencing our Leaders: Perspectives on Interests and Groups. Introduction Interest Group Concepts Classic Pluralism: Perfect Competition Imperfect Competition Neopluralism Hyperpluralism and Demand Overload Corporatism: Closed Competition New Social Movements and Direct Action The Problem of Collective Action The Problem of Insider Lobbying by MPs Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 7. The Central State. Introduction The Civil Service The Bank of England The Armed Forces The Security Services The Judiciary Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 8. Beyond the Central State: Local, Regional and Devolved Governance Introduction Local Government Quangos Regional Administration and Government Devolution and National Government Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading. 9. Who Really Runs Britain? Introduction Is There a British Power Elite? Is There a Ruling Class in Britiain? Systemic and Institutionalized Power Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading Part III: Ideas and Issues. 10. Beyond Left and Right? Introduction Old Labour and the Pursuit of Socialism Conservatism and the New Right The Birth of New Labour Conclusion References and Guide to Further Reading 11. The Constitution as an Issue. Introduction Towards Constitutional Crisis Constitutional Criticisms Constitutional Changes Conclusion: Constitutional Futures References and Guide t
Wydawnictwo: BLACKWELL PUBL, Ilość stron: 803, Oprawa: hardback, ISBN: 0745620957

Zobacz wszystkie książki autora: Peter Saunders, John Dearlove.