The study of political institutions is among the founding pillars of political science. With the rise of the 'new institutionalism', the study of institutions has returned to its place in the sun. This volume provides a comprehensive survey of where we are in the study of political institutions, covering both the traditional concerns of political science with constitutions, federalism and bureaucracy and more recent interest in theory and the constructed nature of institutions. The Oxford Handbook of Political Institutions draws together a galaxy of distinguished contributors drawn from leading universities across the world. Authoritative reviews of the literature and assessments of future research directions will help to set the research agenda for the next decade.

For a state traditionally characterised by the stability and continuity of its political institutions the United Kingdom has undergone a remarkable period of rapid institutional change in recent times. This title monitors these changes and provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the major institutions at work in the United Kingdom in the 21st century. It provides an accessible and detailed account of how political institutions work, and also encourages students to consider how institutions can be conceived--and institutional development located--within broader patterns of social, political and economic change and developing inter-institutional interactions.

A further volume in the Understanding Politics series, this textbook has been written specifically for A2-level students and covers the comparative dimension of advanced level study. It follows closely the syllabuses of the main examination boards, being particularly helpful for those requiring a direct comparison between the two political systems. Clear and accessible in style, it offers insights into the similiarities and differences between British and American politics. These are summarized in useful boxes at the end of each chapter, where there are also details of relevant websites and likely examination questions. politics operates in Britain and the US, noting aspects of the history and social structure of each country before exploring the concept of political culture. The underlying ideals and values of British and American people are compared and the book goes on to analyse the constitution before considering the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government in detail. In addition, the nature of American federalism and moves towards federal devolution in the UK are assessed. Political parties, the media and elections, pressure groups and voting are all extensively covered, with some concluding thoughts on the current condition of democracy in Britain and the US. comparative terms. It offers students the chance to boost their knowledge and understanding of the two political systems and provides the basis for a strong comparative response to any likely A2 question.