British Politics For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 5

Forming the British Political State

In This Chapter

Building up the power of monarchy

Transferring power from the monarch to parliament

Looking at the forming of political parties and the role of the prime minister

Breaking with traditions: ending the power of the Lords, and giving votes to all

In this chapter I look at the big political events that have got us to where we are today – a democracy of some 60 million people with votes for the majority, a free press, an independent judiciary and civil liberties.

From monarchs to Machiavellian prime ministers, this is the chapter to look at for the lowdown on the key steps on the road to the British politics of today.

Getting to Grips with the Normans: From Conquest to Magna Carta

The date 1066 is etched into the history books of Britain – and throughout the world – because it’s the year William, Duke of Normandy, in one of the great big gambles of history, successfully invaded England and defeated the Saxon King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. William became known simply as the Conqueror (he’d previously been known as ‘the ...