1st Edition
Representative and Responsible Government An Essay on the British Constitution
Originally published in 1964, this book remains a seminal source for contemporary political scientists and offers exceptional insights into notions of responsibility. Wahlke (1971) describes it as ‘one of the best analytical surveys of representation.’ The book is a compact and critical essay on the British constitution which reveals the realities of British politics in the second half of the 20th Century by showing the extent to which theory and reality agree and differ.
Part 1: Introduction 1. Representative and Responsibility in Politics Part 2: The Traditional Doctrines 2. Tory and Whig Attitudes to Representation 3. The Early Radicals 4. Parliamentary Reform and Victorian Liberalism 5. The Liberal View of the Constitution Part 3: Collectivism and the Theory of Representation 6. Doctrines of Class Conflict 7. The idealist View of Politics 8. Theories of Group Representation 9. Party Democracy Part 4: Responsibility in British Politics 10. Collective Responsibility 11. Individual Responsibility 12. The Parliamentary Watchdog 13. Responsible Government Reconsidered Part 5: The Public and the Government 14. The Nature of Public Opinion 15. Channels of Communication 16. Opinions and Policies Part 6: Conclusions 17. Representative and Responsible Government in Britain.
Biography
A. H. Birch was Emeritus Professor of Political Science, University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
Original reviews of Representative and Responsible Government:
‘Professor Birch’s book is of a kind which is rare and extremely useful…It could be given painlessly to relative beginners but raises issues in a way which could spark off the more advanced student.’ Political Studies
‘This work is a must for anyone – general reader or specialist – who wants to grapple with the issues involved in evaluating the British political system.’ Socialist Commentary
‘…a lucid and scholarly study of a central aspect of the British system of government.’ Public Administration
‘…should be read by all students of British government, MPs and aspiring MPs…throws new light on the theory and practice of British politics.’ Plebs
‘…an extremely lucid and chastening study of the myths and realities of representative and responsible government.’ The Times Literary Supplement
