This volume considers the UK as a state that was both internally differentiated and placed a premium on its external relations and world power. It contains documents dealing with the implications of the multinational status of the UK. It contains material relevant to the constitutional impact of the UK on the outside world.

This volume covers the nature and operation of different organs of the constitution. It includes documents dealing with Parliament; the monarchy; the legal system; the Church; the Prime Minister; the Civil Service; and local government. It identifies documents pertaining to key moments of change in the history of these entities.

This volume covers the interaction of society – the people, groups and organisations that made it up – with the constitution. It includes documents generated by working class and middle-class reform campaigners; advocates of votes for women; and people of diverse outlooks on matters of religious faith.

This volume explores constitutional reform, and in particular expansions in the franchise. It presents evidence covering the origins of these transitions and the subsequent development of demands for reform.The volume also presents evidence of the limits of change and the persistence of certain traditional aspects of the constitution.