British Politics For Dummies

by Julian Knight, Michael Pattison

Your updated and revised guide to British politicsSo, you want to be knowledgeable about British politics but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place! "British Politics For Dummies" is your essential guide to understanding even the trickiest questions surrounding politics in the UK. In no time, you'll have the confidence to discuss the ins and outs of past and present elections, political leaders, parties and ideologies.

Packed with understandable information on the origins, history and structure of the UK parliamentary system, "British Politics For Dummies" offers a fascinating glimpse into the rollercoaster world of politics. Explaining everything from key political ideologies and the spread of democracy to the current election process and the differences between political parties, this hands-on, friendly guide is an ideal companion to British politics and elections.Includes expanded coverage of coalition governments, devolution and independence effortsProvides updated information on UKIP and Britain's place in EuropeServes as a helpful guide to elections and British political parties--electoral systems, voting behaviour and trends and the role of pressure groups and the mediaOffers a fascinating examination of British politics on the world stage

Whether you want to get to grips with British politics and government or build your knowledge beyond the basics, this updated edition of "British Politics For Dummies" is "the" place to start.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, British Literature, History

432 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2010

Reviews

[Lector Inspector · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected this chunky tome to provide a detailed history of the development of British politics, instead it pulls focus (if not focus GROUPS) onto extremely contemporary issues such as Scotland's recent referendum.

An aspirant politician himself, the author concentrates on events within his own lifetime with a lot of attention paid to the United States padding THIS book unnecessarily and straying from the title's promise.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Dummies series. Although a bit dry at times (I had to take a break halfway through and come back to it), it gave me a valuable insight to how politics are conducted in Britain. Although, given the Brexit vote recently, the section on the European Union and the positives it brings to those who are members, it puzzles me how those who thought it would be better to leave the EU could have thought that. Anyone wanting to see how Britain's politics works should pick this up.

[Sho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up to read in preparation for my first OU politics course (DD203 if you're interested: Power, dissent, Equality: understanding contemporary politics).

And what is there to say? Like all the other Dummies books it's most excellent.

[Carlene Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I couldn't give this a 5 is because it is out of date ie.pre-coalition. Perhaps they need to have a biannual online update section free to owners of the book.

[knoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

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About The Author
Dedication
Contents At A Glance
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: The Basics Of Politics
1. Taking In The Political Universe
2. Understanding Why Politics And Politicians Are Important
3. Looking At Participatory Democracy
4. Examining Political Ideologies
5. Forming The British Political State
Part 2: Elections And Britain's Parties
6. Counting The Votes: Differing Electoral Systems
7. Voting Behaviour And Trends
8. Homing In On Political Parties
9. Piling On The Pressure Groups
10. Scrutinising Politics And The Media
Part 3: The Ins And Outs Of Parliament
11. Examining Britain's Constitution
12. Britain's Parliamentary Democracy
13. Gazing At The Summit: The Pm And Cabinet
14. Assessing Ministers And Civil Servants
15. Taking In The The Courts And Judiciary
16. Laying Bear Local Government And Devolution
17. Joining The Lawmakers: Becoming A Politician
Part 4: Politics Worldwide
18. Understanding Britain's Place In The World
19. Taking In The International Stage
20. Expanding Horizons: Europe And The Eu
21. Leading The Free World: Us Politics
Part 5: Parts Of Ten
22. Ten Great Prime Ministers
23. Ten Major Political Scandals
24. Ten Political Events That Shaped The Modern World
25. Ten Political Trends For The Future
Index