Product Description

This book is about the UK Parliament and provides a unique insight into the workings and daily life within Parliament. Often called 'the Mother of Parliaments' it traces its origins as far back as 1256. Rich in tradition and character its activities are constantly in the news and televised daily. Yet much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders - or 'strangers' as they are called in Parliament - and even to some of its members. The purpose of this book is to dispel the myths and set out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen.

How Parliament Works, now in its fourth edition, has become a standard work on the British parliament. It examines both Houses, looking at their make-up, their role and their operating methods. It also analyses the shortcomings and merits of current parliamentary procedures, contrasting these (where appropriate) with other countries.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #572581 in Books
• Published on: 1998-07-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 286 pages

From the Back Cover
This book is about the UK Parliament and provides a unique insight into the workings and daily life within Parliament. Often called 'the Mother of Parliaments' it traces its origins as far back as 1256. Rich in tradition and character its activities are constantly in the news and televised daily. Yet much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders - or 'strangers' as they are called in Parliament - and even to some of its members. The purpose of this book is to dispel the myths and set out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen.
What do Parliament's powers really amount to? What is meant by 'modernisation' of procedure? What happens when you write to your MP? Why bother to reform the House of Lords? What is the role of select committees? How do the two Houses come to grips with regulations coming out of the European Union? These questions and many others are addressed in this comprehensive guide to the day-to-day workings of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
How Parliament Works, now in its fourth edition, has become a standard work on the British parliament. It examines both Houses, looking at their make-up, their role and their operating methods. It also analyses the shortcomings and merits of current parliamentary procedures, contrasting these (where appropriate) with other countries.
The fourth edition includes-

an up-to-date account of the 'modernisation' of procedure initiated in 1997, and other procedural developments
a completely new chapter on parliamentary reform, including devolution, and human rights
new material on the latest parliamentary administrative and legislative processes
discussion of financial interests and consultancy work of MPs and Peers, including the code of conduct for MPs
Paul Silk and Rhodri Walters hold important administrative posts within the House of Commons and the House of Lords. They bring to the book their many years of insider knowledge and fascinating insights. How Parliament Works is aimed at all those with an interest in Parliament, British government and institutions. It will be an indispensable aid to students, lecturers, journalists, civil servants, diplomats, lobbyists, Peers and MPs.

Customer Reviews

Concise, clear and informative.
For those of us interested in politics but with no education in the subject, battling through the jargon of Westminster can often be a trial. No more! From MPs' salaries to explanations of the 10 Minute Bill, this book conveys everything you could ever want to know about government with style and panache.