Description

Book Synopsis
This well-established textbook gives students a thorough understanding of the machinery and processes of government in the United Kingdom as well as of the forces shaping the country's politics. For the fourth edition the text has been substantially updated to take account of the many significant shifts in British politics since 1997, especially the constitutional reforms of the 1997 Labour government.

  • Extensive annotated guides to further reading and suggested questions for discussion at the end of each chapter.
  • A greater use of illustrative material, case studies and graphics, which supplement the text in a lively manner.
  • Clear summaries of arguments and chronologies of complex events, as well as boxes giving biographical data on significant political figures.
  • A dedicated website, www.blackwellpublishing.com/peele, features information on the book, sample chapters, updated articles

    Trade Review
    "The 4th Edition of this well-established textbook is exemplary...the material is well structured and coverage is comprehensive, with a judicious mix of historical background and contemporary analysis. Extensive use of figures and tables bring a wealth of empirical detail to the account, and useful text-boxes explain key concepts or offer biographical sketches of important figures. This book is a must-have for any serious student of British politics." Mathew Humphrey, School of Politics, University of Nottingham

    'An invaluable introduction to and guide through governing the United Kingdom in the 21st century' Dr Nicholas J. Baldwin, Dean, Wroxton College of Fairleigh Dickinson University.



    Table of Contents
    List of Figures.

    List of Tables.

    List of Boxes.

    List of Maps.

    Preface.

    Acknowledgements.

    List of Abbreviations.

    1. The Changing Structure of British Government.

    2. The Constitution.

    3. The Character of the Modern British State.

    4. The Executive.

    5. The Civil Service.

    6. Parliament.

    7. The Electoral System.

    8. Parties and the Party System.

    9. Voting Behaviour, Public Opinion and the Mobilization of the Electorate.

    10. Pressure Groups and Participation.

    11. Government on the Ground: the Local Dimension.

    12. The Diversity of the UK: Governing after Devolution.

    13. The Courts and Civil Liberties.

    14. Accountability and Control of Government.

    15. Beyond The Nation State.

    16. Conclusion.

    Appendix: Legal Cases.

    Key Concepts.

    Internet Resource.

    References and Bibliography.

    Index

Governing the UK

    Product form

    £37.95

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £39.95 – you save £2.00 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 9 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Gillian Peele

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Governing the UK by Gillian Peele

      Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
      Publication Date: 31/03/2004
      ISBN13: 9780631226819, 978-0631226819
      ISBN10: 0631226818

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      This well-established textbook gives students a thorough understanding of the machinery and processes of government in the United Kingdom as well as of the forces shaping the country's politics. For the fourth edition the text has been substantially updated to take account of the many significant shifts in British politics since 1997, especially the constitutional reforms of the 1997 Labour government.

      • Extensive annotated guides to further reading and suggested questions for discussion at the end of each chapter.
      • A greater use of illustrative material, case studies and graphics, which supplement the text in a lively manner.
      • Clear summaries of arguments and chronologies of complex events, as well as boxes giving biographical data on significant political figures.
      • A dedicated website, www.blackwellpublishing.com/peele, features information on the book, sample chapters, updated articles

        Trade Review
        "The 4th Edition of this well-established textbook is exemplary...the material is well structured and coverage is comprehensive, with a judicious mix of historical background and contemporary analysis. Extensive use of figures and tables bring a wealth of empirical detail to the account, and useful text-boxes explain key concepts or offer biographical sketches of important figures. This book is a must-have for any serious student of British politics." Mathew Humphrey, School of Politics, University of Nottingham

        'An invaluable introduction to and guide through governing the United Kingdom in the 21st century' Dr Nicholas J. Baldwin, Dean, Wroxton College of Fairleigh Dickinson University.



        Table of Contents
        List of Figures.

        List of Tables.

        List of Boxes.

        List of Maps.

        Preface.

        Acknowledgements.

        List of Abbreviations.

        1. The Changing Structure of British Government.

        2. The Constitution.

        3. The Character of the Modern British State.

        4. The Executive.

        5. The Civil Service.

        6. Parliament.

        7. The Electoral System.

        8. Parties and the Party System.

        9. Voting Behaviour, Public Opinion and the Mobilization of the Electorate.

        10. Pressure Groups and Participation.

        11. Government on the Ground: the Local Dimension.

        12. The Diversity of the UK: Governing after Devolution.

        13. The Courts and Civil Liberties.

        14. Accountability and Control of Government.

        15. Beyond The Nation State.

        16. Conclusion.

        Appendix: Legal Cases.

        Key Concepts.

        Internet Resource.

        References and Bibliography.

        Index

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account