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
British Politics For Dummies
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′Written with clarity and brevity, it tells you all you need to know about voting…You know it makes sense…′ (The Independent on Sunday, March 2010).
From the Back Cover
Get to grips with all aspects of British politics and discuss big political issues with confidence Whether you′re a complete beginner or a politician–in–the–making, this eye–opening guide has something for everyone. Packed with expert information on the origins, history and structure of the UK parliamentary system, this book offers a fascinating insight into the rollercoaster world of politics. Explaining everything from key political ideologies and the spread of democracy to what you can do to get involved, this is your must–have companion to British politics, both at home and on the international stage. Back to basics — explore definitions of authority and democracy as well as how the British political state was formed Get voting — learn about the different UK parties, voting behaviour and the role of the media in election campaigns Parliament calling — focus on the Houses of Parliament, the Cabinet and the courts and discover what makes a good politician Going global — get the lowdown on the UK′s foreign policy, compare UK and US political systems and investigate the EU, UN and NATO Movers and shakers — identify influential leaders and the events and scandals that have rocked modern politics "An immensely welcome addition to the For Dummies series. This book succeeds admirably in capturing the whole of the question, ′what is politics?′" – Rt Hon John Bercow , MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Open the book and find: The purpose of politics and why it is important Guidance on the strengths and weaknesses of democracy Advice on your political rights as a UK citizen The lowdown on pressure groups and lobbyists How Britain′s constitution evolved The ins and outs of criminal and civil law Information on devolution and quangos Obama–mania and its impact on British politics Learn to: Democracy′s rich history and why your vote matters Electoral systems, the election process and what the different parties stand for The ins and outs of parliament and the UK government Britain′s place on the global political stage
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By S
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I didn't buy this book to supplement any period of formal study, but instead to give myself a brief, basic introduction to British Politics. We are bombarded and surrounded by politics and political jargon every day and I think that a little knowledge to cut through the politicalese would be of huge help to everyone.
This book provides just that, highlighting the bare bones of British Politics without dumbing the whole thing down too much. The author doesn't go into long, confusing paragraphs full of the nitty-gritty of Politics, instead opting to gloss over things in sufficient detail to understand the politicalese used in the daily papers. Knight includes essentially all the important aspects of politics in the UK, such as the structure of the political parties, how the Houses of Parliament work, who's who, and a brief political history of the UK.
Overall, I would recommend this to people who are either completely ignorant of politics, or those who only know a little. I think it might be a little basic for those who know "more than the average person" about politics, but even experienced politicos might learn something, since this book contains chapters on the EU, the UN and the politics of the United States as well.
This book provides just that, highlighting the bare bones of British Politics without dumbing the whole thing down too much. The author doesn't go into long, confusing paragraphs full of the nitty-gritty of Politics, instead opting to gloss over things in sufficient detail to understand the politicalese used in the daily papers. Knight includes essentially all the important aspects of politics in the UK, such as the structure of the political parties, how the Houses of Parliament work, who's who, and a brief political history of the UK.
Overall, I would recommend this to people who are either completely ignorant of politics, or those who only know a little. I think it might be a little basic for those who know "more than the average person" about politics, but even experienced politicos might learn something, since this book contains chapters on the EU, the UN and the politics of the United States as well.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
My first "For Dummies" book was about the DOS computer operating system nearly twenty years ago - and I found it really helpful! Since those days the range of subjects covered has increased to over 1,700 and they provide a good understanding of their subjects - and they are certainly not just for Dummies; a reference for the rest of us, is the Dummies byline.
Journalist Julian Knight provides an interesting and timely background to British Politics in his Dummies book which may prove useful in the run up to this years General Election. I was pleased to be offered this book to review as my eighteen year old is always bemoaning the fact he was not taught anything about politics at school and is looking forward to casting his first vote in May. He has found this book to be invaluable in providing a good level of background information about the whole subject, and for helping him to ask the right questions regarding his family members' political persuasions!
Amazon have provided a really good Product Description of this book which outlines in great detail how the subject is covered and should give you a good idea of the books appeal to you - or not! British Politics for Dummies is a book of politics now, and although it may still be of some interest after the General Election when all the "excitement" has died down, it is best read beforehand when a lot of its content is more relevant.
Quite a difficult book to give a star rating as its appeal will decline a bit with the passage of time. If you can read it before May 6th then you will get the maximum benefit and I would say five stars; as the election fades into history so will some of this books content so then I could only give three stars. For now I will compromise and give British Politics four stars.
Journalist Julian Knight provides an interesting and timely background to British Politics in his Dummies book which may prove useful in the run up to this years General Election. I was pleased to be offered this book to review as my eighteen year old is always bemoaning the fact he was not taught anything about politics at school and is looking forward to casting his first vote in May. He has found this book to be invaluable in providing a good level of background information about the whole subject, and for helping him to ask the right questions regarding his family members' political persuasions!
Amazon have provided a really good Product Description of this book which outlines in great detail how the subject is covered and should give you a good idea of the books appeal to you - or not! British Politics for Dummies is a book of politics now, and although it may still be of some interest after the General Election when all the "excitement" has died down, it is best read beforehand when a lot of its content is more relevant.
Quite a difficult book to give a star rating as its appeal will decline a bit with the passage of time. If you can read it before May 6th then you will get the maximum benefit and I would say five stars; as the election fades into history so will some of this books content so then I could only give three stars. For now I will compromise and give British Politics four stars.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Pallus the Phallus
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
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*Update* I think I may have been a little harsh in my review below. I was a bit peeved at the beginning of the book when the term 'General election' was transposed with 'Parlimentary election' which I think could be confusing. Also some sentances were too long. The connection between a constituency and its 'seat' in parliament, and the fact it may or may not be a 'cabinet' seat should be really easy to explain but I didn't feel it was. This was a fundamental point which should have been cleared up at the beginning of the book.
However, the broad topics covered are presented well overall. Just this evening Mr Portillo was talking about Athenian politics on the telly; I would never have known what he was harping on about if I hadn't read this book.
So I've awarded it another star.
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This book covers a lot; as well as British politics it also compares our systems with those around the world and explains the EU, NATO, and UN including the Security Council.
But I didn't find it as explicit as it should have been. The 'Speed of light trip' around the basics of politics in chapter one didn't deliver what it promised and I found it too rambling, not to the point and not basic enough for the average pleb to take in. Some more charts or diagrams would have helped.
I still had to refer to Wikipedia to clarify some points as well as resorting to that other resource... asking my Dad! This was mainly down to ambiguous language used in the text.
I would say that the book could have covered even more within its 400-odd pages if it cut down on the waffle and unfunny (in my opinion) humour.
The individual roles of each Secretary of State is not really explained whereas a government poster I found online listed them all out along with their responsibilities.
Seeing as so many people are turned-off politics because they don't understand it or feel it seems too complicated and boring, it is a great shame that this book isn't really a true 'Dummie's Guide'. If this IS a dummie's guide then perhaps I should have been reading the cretin's guide.
To its credit, it does very much cover 'real world' aspects of politics ie. the media, spin doctors, voters' apathy etc.
Pretty good overall but shouldn't worry about being patronising and really should be aimed at the political ignoramus.
[My Ref: Dummy Politics 22.03]
However, the broad topics covered are presented well overall. Just this evening Mr Portillo was talking about Athenian politics on the telly; I would never have known what he was harping on about if I hadn't read this book.
So I've awarded it another star.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This book covers a lot; as well as British politics it also compares our systems with those around the world and explains the EU, NATO, and UN including the Security Council.
But I didn't find it as explicit as it should have been. The 'Speed of light trip' around the basics of politics in chapter one didn't deliver what it promised and I found it too rambling, not to the point and not basic enough for the average pleb to take in. Some more charts or diagrams would have helped.
I still had to refer to Wikipedia to clarify some points as well as resorting to that other resource... asking my Dad! This was mainly down to ambiguous language used in the text.
I would say that the book could have covered even more within its 400-odd pages if it cut down on the waffle and unfunny (in my opinion) humour.
The individual roles of each Secretary of State is not really explained whereas a government poster I found online listed them all out along with their responsibilities.
Seeing as so many people are turned-off politics because they don't understand it or feel it seems too complicated and boring, it is a great shame that this book isn't really a true 'Dummie's Guide'. If this IS a dummie's guide then perhaps I should have been reading the cretin's guide.
To its credit, it does very much cover 'real world' aspects of politics ie. the media, spin doctors, voters' apathy etc.
Pretty good overall but shouldn't worry about being patronising and really should be aimed at the political ignoramus.
[My Ref: Dummy Politics 22.03]
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Bought for my teenage son who wanted to understand what the General Election was all about and what a Prime Minister does.
Published 1 month ago by Carol
5.0 out of 5 stars
British Politics for dummies by Julian Knight
Received on time, indeed before I actually excpected it. Good condition and at a reasonable price. As for the contents I am still reading through it but so far it makes fairly... Read more
Published 3 months ago by El Critico
5.0 out of 5 stars
Does what it says on the cover!
If you don't know your socialists from your communists - this is ideal for you! I often hear people say "I don't do politics" - yet as this book describes - politics in... Read more
Published 3 months ago by kaf1sh
2.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, it is
This book is a great statement it itself. It is a real pity they wasted the wonderful brevity. It would have worked much better as a one pager. Just the Cover.
Published 9 months ago by SimbaLion
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Loved this book. Very easy to understand yet pushes you to think. Love the fact that you can pick and choose which section to read if you want to explore certain aspects more than... Read more
Published 11 months ago by JemmaAnn
5.0 out of 5 stars
A* fast, amazing value for money
Great lay out, perfect introduction to a new subject or building on a subject of interest. information is broken into bite size peices. recomended
Published 13 months ago by leah3113
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really good
As always, with this series, I'm really impressed. Here we have quite a conservative subject, and yet I find the book fun and interesting to work through. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Laura Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
INFORMATIVE
I wanted a broad explanation of politics so looked at the Dummies series. I was not disappointed, the book is written in a serious way but brings the subject out in an easy manner. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2011 by sw brooke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another 'Dummies' book
The Dummies books are fairly ubiquitous, and while they're not always the best text books in the range, they're usually worth a go. 'Text-book textbooks', if you like. Read more
Published on 15 Sep 2010 by J. P. Ellison
5.0 out of 5 stars
About as accessible as politics can be
Given that British politics has evolved over centuries and applies to virtually every aspect of our lives, writing a book that covers even the basics in an accessible manner was... Read more
Published on 16 July 2010 by M. D. Harris
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