Central Debates in British Politics

Central Debates in British Politics focuses on British politics in a changing social, economic and institutional context. The book explores issues and debates using a variety of approaches and techniques. It is written and edited by a team of leading experts who analyse key issues in a highly structured and thematic manner.

PART I: INTRODUCTION: BRITISH POLITICS IN CONTEXT
1. The Contexts of British Politics David Denver & Justin Fisher
2. Enduring Questions about Politics Justin Fisher & David Denver
PART II: CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
3. Devolution and the Future of the Union I James Mitchell
4. The Future of the Union II: Northern Ireland Feargal Cochrane
5. Electoral Reform Helen Margetts
6. Referendums David Denver
7. Change in Parliament Peter Laugharne
8. Europe and the European Union Roger Scully
PART III: REPRESENTATION
9. Political Parties: Organisational Change and Intra-Party Democracy Justin Fisher
10. Elections and Voting David Denver
11. Representation: Parties, Pressure Groups & Social Movements Paul Webb
12. The Media and Politics Ralph Negrine
13. Citizenship Keith Faulks
PART IV: EXECUTIVES & GOVERNANCE
14. Prime Minister & Cabinet Martin Smith
15. Ministers, Civil Servants & Advisors Robert Pyper
16. New Local Governance David Wilson
PART V: POLICY
17. The Economy Jim Tomlinson
18. Health Care Policy Mick Moran
19. Foreign & Defence Policy Paul Harris
20. Environment Policy Robert Garner
21. Dealing with Moral Issues Phil Cowley
PART VI: REGULATION
22. Regulating Society: The Quangos David Wilson
23. Regulating Politics: The Committee on Standards in Public Life
Part VII: Standards in Public Life Justin Fisher
24. The Courts and the Judiciary Keith Ewing

• Highly structured text - each chapter includes a background section, theoretical considerations, a summary of the central debates and an update on recent developments.
• All chapters are contextualised by an introduction identifying enduring arguments about politics as well as broad patterns of change in British politics.
• Thematic approach - common themes appear throughout the book: the changing nature of governance, representation, modernisation, and the influence of the European Union.
• Pedagogy - chapters include information boxes, tables, summaries and examples. Each chapter features a summary with bullet points highlighting key points.
• At the end of each chapter a list of further readings is provided, as well as questions for student discussions.