Understanding US/UK government and politics is written specifically for A2 students and covers the comparative dimension of advanced level study. It closely follows the syllabuses of the main examination boards, is car and accessible in style, and offers invaluable insights into the similarities and differences between British and American politics. The book examines the setting against which government and politics operates in the two countries, explores the concept of political culture and examines the underlying ideas and values of British and American people, before considering the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government in detail. Political parties, the media and elections, pressure groups and voting are all extensively covered, with some concluding thoughts on the current condition of democracy in Britain and the United States. This new edition has been updated to take account of all the changes that have taken place in British and American politics since the first edition was published, including the escalation of the War on Terror, the specific terrorist threats carried out in the UK, and the underwhelming re-election of George W Bush and Tony Blair. -- .

This eagerly-anticipated third edition builds on the established reputation of the Understanding series. It provides an accessible and intelligible text without compromising its high academic standards. Devices designed to help students study and revise effectively are used throughout including useful tables and boxes; clear definitions of key terms; and helpful introductory and concluding sections in each chapter. The third edition has been thoroughly updated to include such topics as the findings of the 2010 Census; the outcomes of the 2008 presidential contest and the 2010 mid-term elections; the role of the states in American federalism; reflections on the Bush presidency; the controversy over Health Care reform; and the rise of the Tea Party Movement. This is an ideal book for use by A Level teachers and students of American politics as it is closely geared to the requirements of the syllabuses laid down by the main examination boards. It is also deservedly popular with students pursuing introductory courses on the US political system in Higher Education. -- .

Your handy guide to the British political system New for this edition: * Updated throughout to reflect the outcome of the 2010 General Election * All relevant case studies and tables replaced with new data * Brand new chapter on Britain and the EU This one-stop textbook introduction examines the institutions and practices integral to the British political systems and makes comparisons with the experience of other countries. Topics include: * The Constitution * The Legislature * The Executive * The Judiciary * Government Beyond the Centre * Political Parties * Pressure Groups * Voting and Elections * Democracy in Theory and Practice * Britain and the European Union

A Glossary of UK Government and Politics is a handy reference guide to the events, personnel, policies and institutions relevant to the government and politics of the United Kingdom. It includes a series of authoritative definitions and explanations and sharp vignettes of some of the leading characters who have graced the political scene in recent years. It is ideal for students who come across references which are new to them and on which they want or need to know more. The entries are accessible and manageable, yet sufficiently informative, offering basic details and something more by way of interpretation and insight into basic arguments and current controversies. Key Features: * Cross-referencing allows readers to find related definitions with ease * Accessible definitions assume no prior knowledge * Offers flashes of insight to key figures and events * Definitions are of a meaningful yet manageable length

Your handy guide to the British political system New for this edition: * Updated throughout to reflect the outcome of the 2010 General Election * All relevant case studies and tables replaced with new data * Brand new chapter on Britain and the EU This one-stop textbook introduction examines the institutions and practices integral to the British political systems and makes comparisons with the experience of other countries. Topics include: * The Constitution * The Legislature * The Executive * The Judiciary * Government Beyond the Centre * Political Parties * Pressure Groups * Voting and Elections * Democracy in Theory and Practice * Britain and the European Union

The European Union is a distinctive creation. There have been several examples of countries that have forged links in ventures of mutual benefit, but in aim, method and achievement this union has gone much further than the others. From the beginning, the EU has always been more than just a customs union. It has aimed for an ever closer union of its peoples and has developed supranational institutions with powers binding upon its members. Since its creation in 1993 it has also grown in size and in the extent of its responsibilities. Integration and intergovernmentalism have been the two forces at work in the evolution of the Community into the Union of 27 members today. In this volume the author sets out to provide an authoritative study of the EU, which clearly explains how it functions and makes it intelligible to a wide readership. Key Features *Up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of key aspects, including history and developments, institutions, politics and policy processes *Includes an analysis of the role and attitudes of the member states *Information is clearly and accessibly presented *Will appeal to students and also to professionals working in European Union agencies and organisations *Contains maps, boxes, tables, glossaries of key terms and a guide to further reading

Pressure Groups are an increasingly important feature of the political landscape and they are active on many levels, local, national or European. They reflect a diverse compass of interests from the well-known (the National Farmers' Union) to the less familiar (the Zip Fastener Association) and interact with a wide range of political players in different parts of the political system: parties, the media, government and parliament. They are involved at every stage of the political process, from raising issues and agenda setting to policy implementation and monitoring. Subjects covered include: *Classifying pressure groups *How pressure groups operate *Pressure group resources *Trends in pressure group activity *Protest politics and direct action *Pressure groups and the Scottish Parliament *Pressure groups and the European Union *The abolition of hunting with dogs *Pressure groups and democracy This book provides an accessible guide to the role of Pressure Groups in our democracy, establishing clear definitions and analysing their role and performance. It includes the findings of recent research into the workings of British pressure groups in the European Union and of the ways in which lobbyists consult with the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A Glossary of UK Government and Politics is a handy reference guide to the events, personnel, policies and institutions relevant to the government and politics of the United Kingdom. It includes a series of authoritative definitions and explanations and sharp vignettes of some of the leading characters who have graced the political scene in recent years. It is ideal for students who come across references which are new to them and on which they want or need to know more. The entries are accessible and manageable, yet sufficiently informative, offering basic details and something more by way of interpretation and insight into basic arguments and current controversies. Key Features: * Cross-referencing allows readers to find related definitions with ease * Accessible definitions assume no prior knowledge * Offers flashes of insight to key figures and events * Definitions are of a meaningful yet manageable length

The European Union is a distinctive creation. There have been several examples of countries that have forged links in ventures of mutual benefit, but in aim, method and achievement this union has gone much further than the others. From the beginning, the EU has always been more than just a customs union. It has aimed for an ever closer union of its peoples and has developed supranational institutions with powers binding upon its members. Since its creation in 1993 it has also grown in size and in the extent of its responsibilities. Integration and intergovernmentalism have been the two forces at work in the evolution of the Community into the Union of 27 members today. In this volume the author sets out to provide an authoritative study of the EU, which clearly explains how it functions and makes it intelligible to a wide readership. Key Features *Up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of key aspects, including history and developments, institutions, politics and policy processes *Includes an analysis of the role and attitudes of the member states *Information is clearly and accessibly presented *Will appeal to students and also to professionals working in European Union agencies and organisations *Contains maps, boxes, tables, glossaries of key terms and a guide to further reading