British politics: inside the ‘black box’

Aims

This course aims to: 

• introduce you to the structures and traditions of British politics
   
• encourage you to explore contemporary events and challenges to the British political system
   
• open up some of the more complex and less understood aspects of British politics

Content

This course will lift the lid on the British political system, allowing you 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 the UK, particularly First Past the Post (FPTP), 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 what 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.

Presentation of the course

The course will be in an interactive short lecture format in which students are encouraged to participate and ask questions, but which will primarily focus on introducing new perspectives 
and information. 

Course sessions

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? What effect might the accession of King Charles III have on this relationship?
    
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? 

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• to understand contemporary trends in British politics
   
• to identify and discuss key controversies and recent developments in British politics
   
• to describe the major challenges within British politics in the foreseeable future

Required reading

Hague, R, Harrop, M and McCormack, J, ‘Political Parties’ in Comparative Government and Politics (Palgrave 2016, Chapter 15)

Wilks-Heeg, S, British Politics and Policy at LSE (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.

Available at: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/av-rejection-electoral-reform/

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

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 £75 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 after the programme.