The British ConstitutionThe British Constitution is accepted, in England at least, as the symbol for soundness and reliability: and yet its unwritten mysteries and its practical resilience are the despair of theorists. It is as unexpected as a person, and seems to be defined only by the fact that it lives and works. This 1966 book, then, might be described as a biography by one who has a first-hand knowledge of his subject. It offers ordinary British citizens a reasonable and detached introduction to the system in which they play so large a part; at the same time it provides, for friends and critics overseas, a simple and reliable account of its growth and functioning. |
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administration appeal Assistant association assumed become Bill Board body British Cabinet called candidates carried century Chamberlain civil servants Committee concerned Conservative party considered constituency debate decide decisions Defence democracy Departments difficulty discussion economic effective election electors example exercise fact follow Foreign functions give given Government hand Home House of Commons House of Lords important influence instance interest Labour party leader least less Liberal Liberal party majority matters means meet ment Ministry minority Moreover necessary never Office Opposition organisation Parliament parliamentary peers perhaps person political politicians preferences Prime Minister principle problem produced proposals public opinion questions reason reform represented responsibility result seats Secretary secure social taken tion Tories trade unions Treasury true usually vote Whigs whole