This collection takes as its subject how and why the British constitution developed during the course of the 20th century. In chapters that analyse in detail the evolution of various aspects of the constitution, this work explores debates about how the constitution ought to operate and the political goods it ought to secure among politicians, jurists and academics. In addition, it looks at the influence of political parties, nationalism, social and economic change, European integration, and the contests in over particular reforms in Parliament, courts, media and on the hustings.

Providing a detailed historical analysis of how the Northern Irish issue has been handled by Westminster and Whitehall, this book also shows how British politics continue to be influenced by events in Northern Ireland, despite efforts to isolate the region.