Constitutional Practice

This is a critical account with historical information and suggestions for reform of the current working and practice of British central government. The emphasis is on the organization and power of the government, and it seeks to identify where political power lies, and the institutions and procedures through which that power is exercised. The author addresses such questions as whether Mrs Thatcher is the most powerful Prime Minister to date, what powers the Cabinet has and what influence the Queen has over government and whether we are actually governed by secret Cabinet committees, how judges are appointed and what happens when they behave improperly. As well as using description and analysis, the author also incorporates historical information, precedents, biographies, diaries and letters to throw light on the contemporary constitution. The author also criticizes the faults of the system and offers suggestions for reform.