Product Description

Although Parliament is constantly in the news and televised daily, much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders and is sometimes perplexing even to its own members. This book provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament. It sets out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen, but it also analyses the pressures within the institution, its strengths and weaknesses, and ways in which it might change.

Covering every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, this book also reflects the profound changes that have taken place in Parliament over the years.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #122539 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 504 pages

Review

“It’s a rare treat to find such a comprehensive and authoritative guide that is written with such elegance and can be read with such pleasure.”

Sir Antony Jay, writer, Yes Minister

 “When the British constitution is in such flux, describing today’s Parliament might seem like drawing on water. But in this account Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters have achieved the near- impossible; it is clear, elegant, invaluable, bang up-to-date and full of dry wit.”

Andrew Marr, BBC Political Editor, 2000-2005

“Acute observation and analysis of the tensions and potential of Parliament. This book is required reading for anyone interested in the evolution of democracy.”

Tam Dalyell, MP, 1962-2005 and Father of the House, 2001-2005

“An indispensable guide to anyone who is truly concerned about our democratic process. A splendidly helpful book.”

Sir Patrick Cormack FSA, MP

“A must for everyone who needs to know about Parliament. Comprehensive and authoritative, this really is how Parliament works.”

Betty Boothroyd (The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Boothroyd OM), Speaker of the House of Commons, 1992-2000

“The great virtue of How Parliament Works is that it not only explains the mysteries of what happens in the Palaceof Westminster, but also shows why they matter.”

Peter Riddell, Chief Political Commentator of The Times

“Much more than a clear and concise introduction to Parliament. Despite my years as a political scientist, I gained a lot of new insights.”

Professor Gerry Stoker, University of Manchester

From the Back Cover

“It is a rare treat to find such a comprehensive and authoritative guide that is written with such elegance and can be read with such pleasure”

- Sir Antony Jay, writer, Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister

"When the British constitution is in such flux, describing today's Parliament might seem like drawing on water. But in this account Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters have achieved the near-impossible; it is clear, elegant, invaluable, bang up-to-date and full of dry wit." Andrew Marr 

"Acute observation and analysis of the tensions and potential of Parliament. This book is required reading for anyone interested in the evolution of democracy."Tam Dalyell, MP from 1962-2005 and Father of the House, 2001-2005

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How Parliament Works is a classic. It has become a standard text both inside and outside Parliament. Written by expert insiders, it is a straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country's most complex - and often misunderstood - institutions.

How Parliament Works:

• Provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament.
• Not only describeswhat happens, but explainswhy.
• Analyses strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for Parliament to be more effective.
  

This edition is fully revised to take account of recent changes in both Houses, the 2005 General Election and the outlook for the new Parliament. It covers the latest - and expected - developments in the legislative process, select committee work, parliamentary questions, the relationship between Parliament and the European Union, and Lords reform.

How Parliament Works is an invaluable companion to the study of politics at AS, A2 and university level, and provides a wealth of source material for teachers.

The authors
Robert Rogers andRhodri Walters are senior officers of the Commons and the Lords respectively. They each have more than 30 years' practical experience and insight into the workings of Parliament.

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"A must for everyone who needs to know about Parliament. Comprehensive and authoritative, this really is how Parliament works."Betty Boothroyd (Baroness Boothroyd, CH), Speaker of the House of Commons, 1992-2000

"The great virtue ofHow Parliament Works is that it not only explains the mysteries of what happens in the Palace of Westminster, but also shows why they matter."Peter Riddell, Chief Political Commentator of The Times and author of The Unfulfilled Prime Minister - Tony Blair's quest for a legacy

"Much more than a clear and concise introduction to Parliament. Despite my years as a political scientist, I gained a lot of new insights."Professor Gerry Stoker, Manchester University

"An indispensable guide to anyone who is truly concerned about our democratic process. A splendidly helpful book."
Sir Patrick Cormack FSA MP

About the Author
Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters joined the service of the House of Commons and House of Lords respectively in the early 1970s, both from Oxford University. They have been involved in every aspect of the work of each House since then, and now, as Clerks at the Table, can be seen in wig and gown in each Chamber. Robert is Principal Clerk of the Table Office in the Commons (Clerk of Legislation from October); Rhodri is Clerk of Committees of the House of Lords.

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.