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Understanding Us/UK Government and Politics: A Comparative Guide (Understanding politics)
 
 

Understanding Us/UK Government and Politics: A Comparative Guide (Understanding politics) (Paperback)

by Duncan Watts (Author)
1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Manchester University Press (13 Nov 2003)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0719067219
  • ISBN-13: 978-0719067211
  • Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.6 x 3 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 149,731 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #42 in  Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Government & Politics > Countries & Regions > UK > Constitution & Government
  • See Complete Table of Contents

Product Description

Product Description

A further volume in the "Understanding Politics" series, this textbook has been written specifically for A2-level students and covers the comparative dimension of advanced level study. It follows closely the syllabuses of the main examination boards, being particularly helpful for those requiring a direct comparison between the two political systems. Clear and accessible in style, it offers insights into the similiarities and differences between British and American politics. These are summarized in useful boxes at the end of each chapter, where there are also details of relevant websites and likely examination questions. The book begins by examining the setting against which government and politics operates in Britain and the US, noting aspects of the history and social structure of each country before exploring the concept of political culture. The underlying ideals and values of British and American people are compared and the book goes on to analyse the constitution before considering the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government in detail. In addition, the nature of American federalism and moves towards federal devolution in the UK are assessed. 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 US. The text attempts the task of looking at government in the UK and the US in comparative terms. It offers students the chance to boost their knowledge and understanding of the two political systems and provides the basis for a strong comparative response to any likely A2 question.

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

2 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
1.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Students deserve better, 25 Jun 2006
By Linda Spencer "linda nick and alex" (Oxfordshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
The idea of comparing US and UK government and politics is a good one and Watts in principle makes a good attempt at comparing and contrasting the two. The book is readable and makes good use of boxes for explaining terms and adding additional information.

However, Watts prefers to expound at length and repetitively on soft issues, like his opinion on the influence of personality on the effectiveness of leaders and fails to deliver enough hard facts and analysis.

The role of the US Executive and separation of powers is well explained, but the differences in roles between the US and UK government is not. What does the US Secretary of State do? Who is his UK equivalent? I am no wiser after reading this book.

The role and composition of the Senate and House of Lords is also inadequately explained.

Where hard facts are given, there is inadequate explanation. How can it be, that a country like the US which hates "big government" has 10 times the civil servants than the UK has but only 5 times the population? What services are included in the civil service in both countries and why?

The most annoying feature in the book is the appearance of countless errors or grammar and syntax. I have never read a more poorly edited book. The failures reduce significantly the confidence in the author and set a bad example for students about rigour in writing.

As a teacher might say, must try harder!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the paper upon which it is printed, 23 April 2008
This book is seemingly written by an adolescent and proofread by an illiterate. Manchester University Press should be ashamed of such a publication, which serves merely to perpetuate the public's abysmal knowledge of even the most basic grammar and punctuation.

Furthermore, Watts 'educates' in broadstroke and by presenting opposing opinions more than facts (perhaps a good thing considering the erroneous nature of the some of the few facts provided).

All in all, a poor expenditure of good money.
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