How Parliament Works - Softcover

Silk, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0582355664 ISBN 13: 9780582355668

Publisher: Longman Publishing Group, 1987

Synopsis

This text attempts to give an accurate up-to-date guide to the day-to-day workings of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It covers: who is in Parliament; officers, officials and helpers; Parliament's powers; organization of business; legislation; financial control; and other topics.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

How Parliament Works has established itself as an unofficial bible for everyone interested in Parliament – for those who study the institution for degrees in politics or at AS or A level; for civil servants, lobbyists, journalists, witnesses before select committees and all whose work brings them into contact with Parliament; for constituents who want to know how they are represented and how their problems can be addressed; for those in the UK and overseas who want to know more about the workings of the institution; and for members, especially new members, of both Houses.

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.

A standard textbook, now entirely rewritten, it covers every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, and also reflects the profound changes in Parliament over the last five years, including the 'transitional' House of Lords, following the rejection of proposals for an elected element; the effects of devolution and the Human Rights Act; the programming of bills and many other significant changes in the Commons; and the relationship between Parliament and the European Union in the context of impending European constitutional change.

• A straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country’s most complex institutions.
• An invaluable companion to the study of politics at AS, A and university level.
• Essential reading for anyone who wants to see behind the headlines and really understand how Parliament works.

The authors

Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters are senior officers of the Commons and the Lords respectively. They each have some 30 years’ in-depth experience and insight into the workings of Parliament.

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Longman Publishing Group
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0582355664
• ISBN 13: 9780582355668
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272