People Power: A User's Guide to Democracy

by Dan Jellinek

A fascinating and accessible guide to democracy in the what it means, how it works and why we need to protect it.
     As protestors around the world risk their lives in pursuit of democracy, in the UK the word has never seemed so tarnished. Surveys regularly show our politicians are not liked, not trusted and not wanted. Voter turnout is shockingly low, and episodes such as the MPs'’ expenses scandal serve to confirm the opinion that public officials are all as bad as each other.
     So what is the answer?
     Lighting the way through the corridors of power, Dan Jellinek provides a unique and accessible guide to democracy in Britain, explaining how its elements work – from national and local government to free speech, the internet and the rule of law -- and the role that we, the public, need to play to keep the wheels turning.
     Illustrated by Harry Venning ( Clare in the Community, Hamlet ), People Power 's mission is not only to explain but to galvanise and engage people in a positive way. If you want to know how your small actions can bring about big changes, how you can improve your lot and the lives of others, then you must read this book. Stand up and be counted. The power is in your hands.

Genres: Politics

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Jellinek, brave man, has taken the dryer-than-dust subject of the mechanics of British government and democracy and turned it into a book. The title is a bit misleading, it is 99% about democracy in Britain, not other countries. The chapters broadly cover the following

National government
Local government
The monarchy
The Civil Service
The judiciary
The media
Our right to protest
Digital democracy
Britain and its relationship with the European Union
The United Nations

What could have been a tedious plod through government practices, was just the opposite. Jellinek is such an astute, immediate and amusing writer, that the book is a pleasure to read. Jellinek is our friend, standing over the turrets of Westminster, the Victorian leaded windows of local government, and the tower of Babel that is Brussels - and everything he comments on lights up and makes sense. He is also very good at showing the bigger picture. Everything dovetails and slots together - if not perfectly - in a way that makes sense.

My understanding of British government and democracy was a bit woolly. Even in areas I thought I knew about, I found out that I had a lot more to learn. The chapter on the European Union - given our forthcoming referendum - was particularly invaluable, and especially helpful for wobblers like me. (I'm still wobbling, but with more confidence.)

My one source of amazement was that it had only been given a general rating on Goodreads of 33.3. I suspect that is because the other readers were more educated in these matters than me. It may be that this book is more suited to those of us who have more to learn.

I think this book would make a fantastic school textbook. It makes the subject of political structures and government so interesting. Bravo to Jellinek, I think that is a major achievement. Highly recommended.

[Louise Duckworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise and well written book on the infrastructure the government is made up. Alot of interesting points, I did not know. Well worth the read.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me and whilst some parts were interesting and useful, it was published in 2013 and so incredibly outdated as it references the state of democracy in the UK at that time.