British Politics For Dummies

by Julian Knight

So - you want to be knowledgeable about British politics but don't know where to start. The rich history, complex statistics and tricky political jargon are getting in your way, not to mention the media hype (is politics only about duck houses and moats?). But don't worry! British Politics For Dummies is your essential guide to understanding even the trickiest questions surrounding politics in the UK, so you'll be discussing the ins and out of leaders, parties, ideologies, constitutions, laws, cabinets and summits past and present in no time - and with maximum confidence. Coming up to the potential end of Labour's historic three terms in power, there's never been a better time to get to grips with politics. British Politics For Dummies Part 1: The Basics of Politics
Chapter 1: Taking in the Political Universe
Chapter 2: Understanding Why Politics and Politicians are Important
Chapter 3: Looking at Democracy & Participation
Chapter 4: Examining Different Political Ideologies
Chapter 5: Forming of the British Political State Part 2: Elections and Britain's Parties
Chapter 6: Electoral & voting systems
Chapter 7: Voting Behaviour & Trends
Chapter 8: Honing in on Political Parties
Chapter 9: Pressure Groups
Chapter 10: Politics & the Media Part 3: The Ins & Outs of Parliament
Chapter 11: Britain's Constitution
Chapter 12: Examining Britain's Parliamentary Democracy
Chapter 13: Gazing at the the PM and Cabinet
Chapter 14: Ministers & Civil Servants
Chapter 15: The Courts & The Judiciary
Chapter 16: Laying Bear Devolution & Local Government
Chapter 17: Joining the Becoming a Politician Part 4: Politics Worldwide
Chapter 18: Understanding Britain's Place in the World
Chapter 19: Taking in the International Stage
Chapter 20: Expanding Your Europe
Chapter 21: Leading the Free US Politics Part 5: Parts of Ten
Chapter 22: Ten Significant Prime Ministers
Chapter 23: Ten Major Political Scandals
Chapter 24: Ten Events Which Formed the Modern Political World
Chapter 25: Ten Political Trends for the Future

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, British Literature, History

416 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