Looks at parties' organisation, policy, support and impact, from the major parties to the localThis introductory textbook examines the factors contributing to parties' fortunes and identities, and the causes of recent changes in both. Parties studied include: * The main parties: Conservatives and Labour * The minor parties: the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the Greens* The peripheral parties: the BNP, UKIP, SSP and SLP* Local parties: Kidderminster Health and Hospital Concern, the Morecambe Bay Independents and Mebyon Kernow

This eagerly-anticipated third edition builds on the established reputation of the Understanding series. It provides an accessible and intelligible text without compromising its high academic standards. Devices designed to help students study and revise effectively are used throughout including useful tables and boxes; clear definitions of key terms; and helpful introductory and concluding sections in each chapter.
The third edition has been thoroughly updated to include such topics as the findings of the 2010 Census; the outcomes of the 2008 presidential contest and the 2010 mid-term...

Pressure Groups are an increasingly important feature of the political landscape and they are active on many levels, local, national or European. They reflect a diverse compass of interests from the well-known (the National Farmers' Union) to the less familiar (the Zip Fastener Association) and interact with a wide range of political players in different parts of the political system: parties, the media, government and parliament. They are involved at every stage of the political process, from raising issues and agenda setting to policy implementation and monitoring.

The presidency is a complex topic for study, not least because it defies simple explanations. It is unique and evolving, elastic and changing. Different occupants mould the presidency to suit their own needs and the national requirements of the time. Sometimes, the circumstances have been ripe for an extension of presidential power, for the challenges have called for assertive and dynamic leadership. At others, the notions of separated and shared powers have served to constrain the presidency.This book is concerned with the role and powers of American presidents and the way in which the...

Your handy guide to the British political system.