Parliament Today

Parliament today examines parliamentary government in theory and practice. An introductory chapter places Parliament in its conceptual context. Succeeding chapters deal with Parliament's origins and development, its functions, and its relationship to democracy. The focus then shifts to the operation of Parliament - personnel, increasing professionalisation, organisation, its legislative and scrutiny roles, its relationship with the people, and with the government. A final chapter considers parliamentary reform - externally by changing the political system, internally by changing the way Parliament operates.

Michael Rush is Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Exeter.