This course will lift the lid on the British political system, allowing students to explore and understand the way politics in the UK really works. The course will begin by looking at the three main political parties , to explore questions such as why the Labour Party can’t decide if it’s left of centre, or centre left; and why the Conservatives have historically tied themselves in such inextricable knots over Europe. The course examines the various voting systems in t he UK, particularly First Past the Post, and why it has such a hold on the public imagination despite its well-- known disadvantages in terms of representation. It also explores the ramifications of First Past the Post for the type of government that British voters elect.
Students will explore the way that Parliament actually works in practice, looking at how laws are made as well as the rituals and traditions that surround it, and exploring the changes that have taken place in recent years, to understand w hat changes are likely and unlikely in the future. We’ll also look at the powers that the British government has once elected, and how that power is limited and scrutinised. Finally, the course will look at the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the prospects for mayoral powers to expand in England’s regions could new power bases develop to challenge the dominance of Westminster? By the end of the week’s course, students will have an insider’s understanding of the machinery of British politics in a contemporary context, and will be ready to take their explorations further.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
- Understand contemporary trends in British politics
- Identify and discuss key controversies and recent developments in British politics
- Describe the major challenges within British politics in the foreseeable future
Classes
1. Party politics – who are the major players in British politics, and what are the internal debates that have convulsed them? Where are they going in the next few years?
2. Voting and elections – what effect does FPTP have on elections and voting patterns in the UK? What else is influencing the way that people decide how to vote?
3. The Mother of Parliaments – how does Parliament actually work? How do things get done? How important are the Commons and the Lords in the scheme of things?
4. Crown and government – what do governments do outside Parliament – what powers do they have other than law-making, and how are these exercised? Does the monarchy limit the powers of government?
5. Beyond Westminster – who runs Britain on the ground? How do the nations exercise power, and are the new Mayoralties the future for ambitious British politicians?
Required reading
- Hague, Harrop & McCormack (2016), Comparative Government and Politics, Chapter 15 - 'Political Parties'
- Kenny, M., & Kelsey, T. (2020). Devolution or delegation? What the revolt of the metro mayors over lockdown tells us about English devolution. British Politics and Policy at LSE.
- Wilks-Heeg, S., 2011. The rejection of AV is the fifth occasion in the last 100 years that a proposal to replace FPTP has failed. This history of failure to secure electoral reform hinges on the ever-changing political calculus between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. British Politics and Policy at LSE.
Typical week: Monday to Friday
For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.
c.8.00am-9.00am |
Breakfast in College (for residents) |
9.00am-10.30am |
Am Course |
11.15am-12.30pm |
Plenary Lecture |
12.30pm-1.45pm |
Lunch |
1.45pm-3.15pm |
Pm Course |
4.00pm-5.15pm |
Plenary Lecture |
c.6.00/6.15pm-7.15/7.30pm |
Dinner in College (for residents) |
c.7.30pm onwards |
Evening talk/event |
Evaluation and Academic Credit
If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.
Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.
For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.
Certificate of attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.