Douglas Wass
This book, originally published in 1983 examines how effectively in Britain central government is equipped to secure efficiency and responsiveness and argues that as a result of shifts in the balance of power between the executive arm of government in Whitehall and the legislature in Parliament, the British system of government is neither as efficient, nor as responsive to popular will, as a strong democracy requires. The book considers which reforms are most likely to improve the efficiency of the government and to prove acceptable to British political and historical traditions. It reviews the way in which public debate is informed by government release of information and by the press and raises the question of how good a guide to the popular will referenda and public opinion polls are.
1. United Thoughts and Counsels 2. Cabinet: Directorate or Directory? 3. The Privileged Adviser 4. Critical Opposition - Part of the Polity 5. Opening Up Government 6. Participation - the Sole Bond
1. United Thoughts and Counsels 2. Cabinet: Directorate or Directory? 3. The Privileged Adviser 4. Critical Opposition - Part of the Polity 5. Opening Up Government 6. Participation - the Sole Bond
This book examines how effectively in Britain today central government is equipped to secure efficiency and responsiveness and argues, that the British system of government is neither as efficeint nor as responsive to popular will as a strong democracy requires.
'...an important book, likely to start a new chapter in political philosophy.' - Times Educational Supplement
'...lucid, critical and full of sense.' - Glasgow Herald
Examines how effectively in Britain, central government is equipped to secure efficiency and responsiveness and argues, that the British system of government is neither as efficient nor as responsive to popular will as a strong democracy requires.
