"Documents in cold and authorative detail the accountability deficit at the heart of government in Britain." Tony Wright, MP

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Product Description

The second study carried out under the Democratic Audit of the UK, this volume explores the formal institutions and processes of the liberal democratic state, including the executive, elections, parliament and the civil service.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1046142 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

From the Back Cover
Political Power and Democratic Control in Britain sets out an up-to-date and compelling analysis of the huge and flexible powers of the executive in the United Kingdom, and details the absence of effective checks and balances and the inability of Parliament, in particular, to render the executive open and accountable. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive audit of the formal institutions and processes of the British liberal democratic state, including:
the Prime Minister and cabinet
the civil service, ministers, bureaucrats and government departments
executive agencies and the quango state
elections
Parliament
the judiciary and the rule of law
This study measures democratic practice in the United Kingdom specifically against a unique index of democratic criteria, specially constructed by the authors. The index is an important new tool for monitoring the quality of democracy around the world.
This fluent and readable study is essential reading for those studying British politics and is equ

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Customer Reviews

Stuart and David -fantatic literary experience. Brilliant!
Of all the Political text I have ever read, of which there are many and climbing. This book by Weir and Beetham is without doubt the finest peace of political inquiry literature I have ever experienced, in the field of political science. Well done! Varr,Varr,Varr(an old Asian expression of admiration)