This book explores the governance of the UK, and the process of constitutional change, between Scotland's independence referendum in September 2014 and the UK general election in May 2015. The book contrasts the attitudes of the public, captured through an original survey, with those of politicians, civil servants, and civic leaders, identified through over forty interviews. It pays particular attention to two case studies involving recent changes to the UK's governing arrangements: the Smith Commission and the transfer of further powers to the Scottish Parliament, and Greater Manchester's devolution deal that has become a model for devolution across England. It also considers the issue of lowering the voting age to 16, contrasting the political attitudes of younger voters in Scotland with those in the rest of the UK. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of UK politics, devolution, constitutional change, public attitudes, and territorial politics.

The European Union: How does it work? is the perfect concise introduction to the EU's structure and operations for students coming to the subject for the first time. The sixth edition has been substantially updated to reflect a range of challenges confronting the EU. It incorporates expanded discussions of pressing policy challenges, including migration, climate change, the future of the EU-UK relationship after Brexit, and the erosion of democratic principles in some EU member states. It also offers expanded coverage of the EU-US relationship, the shifting global balance of power, and the impact on the EU of the rise of China and a fragmenting global economy. The sixth edition sees the arrival of two new authors, Ramona Coman and Dionyssis G. Dimitrakopoulos - contributing Chapter 4 on member states and Chapter 7 on internal policies, respectively - and a new editor, Amelia Hadfield. Learning features throughout the text help to develop students' understanding of the EU. 'How it really works' boxes demonstrate the working of the EU in practice, and challenge students to contrast this with theoretical perspectives. 'Key terms and concepts' boxes provide concise definitions or summaries of words and ideas that are essential to understanding the EU. Furthermore, each chapter contains boxes exploring specific cases that highlight how the EU works, what it does, or how it has evolved. Taken together, these features encourage students to think laterally and critically about the reality of politics in the European Union. Digital formats and resources The sixth edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats. The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access, along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks In addition to supportive learning features within the book, the text is accompanied by online resources designed to help students to take their learning further. For students: - Test your understanding and receive instant feedback with a range of multiple-choice questions - Revise key terms and test your knowledge of terminology from the book with our flashcard glossary For registered adopters of the text: - Guide class debate with suggested seminar questions and activities - Adapt PowerPoint slides as a basis for lecture presentations, or use as handouts in class