New contributions from Anthony Giddens, Tony Write, Peter Riddell, Stuart Weir, Peter Kemp, Lord Burns, Graham Mather, Simon Heffer and Boris Johnson - ensures text maintains its lively, finger-on-the-pulse feel. Thoroughly updated with a style emphasis on 'globalisation' and 'Europeanisation' - enables students to focus on key topical issues. Visually engaging - includes over 40 brand new cartoons by The Observer's Chris Riddell and additional photos where relevant break up the text and make the book more interesting for students. Fuller attention paid to devolution in the relevant chapters and a Concluding Comment relating to this topic - informs students of the latest developments in this important area. Greater emphasis on constitutional and electoral reform over the years in the relevant chapters and a concluding comment on the British State. Also includes reference to core executives and quangos. Incorporates more on the concept of crown and the extent to which it is employed by the government as the legal basis for ministers' actions Globalisation chapter includes dedicated pages on Europe. The biographies and mini-biographies have all been updated.

The Companion Website has been updated and there is greater emphasis and reference to the site throughout the book.