How Parliament Works

by Robert Rogers, Rhodri Walters

Although Parliament is constantly in the news and televised daily, much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders and is sometimes perplexing even to its own members. This book provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament. It sets out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen, but it also analyses the pressures within the institution, its strengths and weaknesses, and ways in which it might change.

Covering every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, this book also reflects the profound changes that have taken place in Parliament over the years.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

504 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2004

Reviews

[Dustin Eubanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative read on the nature of the infamous British parliament! Though this edition is a bit out of date now (I came across it free of charge, by accident) much of what's inside is still quite useful.

It was entertaining, even, to read about the UK's interaction with the EU and the authors' predictions (circa 2006) that a full withdrawal of the U.K. from that body was theoretically possible, but "unlikely" and impractical.

Minus one star for being dated and occasionally getting a bit heavy/clunky in explanations. I concede some of the processes are very complicated, and that surely contributes to the challenge of explaining them too simply. But I still found myself rereading passages periodically, sometimes several times.

Overall: a worthy read for anyone interested in politics generally; parliamentary systems, specifically; and those who don't mind wondering what lessons our system here in the U.S. could learn from some of the U.K. parliament's unique successes (e.g. I particularly like that select committees travel, rather than stay permanently at Westminster.)

[Dave Drury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of what seems to be a complex but functional organism. I came away with a positive feeling about how our country is run.

[Lord William Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

我讀了06繁體中文版，對MP最好的guide book.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable reference.