British Politics For Dummies

Julian Knight

Feb 2010 · John Wiley & Sons

About this ebook

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 includes:

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 Summit: 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 Lawmakers: 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 Horizons: Europe
Chapter 21: Leading the Free World: 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

About the author

Julian Knight is Money and Property Editor at The Independent on Sunday. Previously, he was a reporter at BBC News, contributing to the BBC News website and Radio Five Live. Julian has written on politics and finance for countless magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of The British Citizenship Test For Dummies and Wills, Probate & Inheritance Tax For Dummies, amongst others.