The House Of Lords And Contemporary Politics

Painting a detailed portrait of the House of Lords since reform removed most hereditary members in 1999, this book demonstrates the chamber's newly diverse membership and substantial policy impact in British politics. It also places the Lords in a comparative context, asks if it can be considered 'legitimate', and examines the likelihood of reform.

This fully revised new edition includes expanded coverage of Parliament's relationship with the courts, devolved assemblies and the European Union. Distinctively, the book goes beyond the usual focus of Parliament-Government relations to encompass policy-makers beyond Whitehall and Parliament's broader relationship with citizens.

The House of Lords is widely discussed but little understood. This book provides an authoritative analysis of the contemporary House, showing how it has changed and considering what further reforms might take place.

Originally published in 1991, this book traces the evolution of the House of Lords as a court for private litigation during the critically important years from 1621 to 1675. It offers new insights into contemporary politics, government and religion, adding an important dimension to our understanding of the House of Lords. This book is primary reading for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students on courses on early Stuart England, the Civil War and Restoration history.

Focusing on the changes in the 1980s in the world of government and politics and their effects on the political scene during the 1990s in both the UK and Europe, this book provides in-depth analyses of such topics as voting behaviour and the electoral system, the political parties and pressure groups, economic and social policy, the Thatcher years and their conclusion, events in Europe, privatization and the role of the state.