“[The] written style is admirably clear, conversational and free from jargon … It will be of immense interest to anybody with a general interest in UK law, politics and history.” Times Higher Education

This engaging, authoritative text has, since its very first edition, maintained its position as the market-leading introduction to the constitution of the United Kingdom. Adopting a thematic approach, it discusses questions of history, sources and conventions, the role of the Crown, Parliament and the electoral system, government and the executive, the judiciary, and the territorial distribution of power. In addition, it offers analysis of the evolution of the UK's historic non-codified constitution, its strengths and perceived weaknesses, and of reform initiatives. The new edition systematically examines the impact of the recent developments, including how COVID changed how government operated, the revolving door of Prime Ministers, the election of the Labour government, and the accession of King Charles III.

Though introductory in approach, it does not shy away from the complexity of the constitutional landscape in the United Kingdom. It provides a contextual overview of the principles, doctrines and institutions that underpin the elusive constitution, allowing students of law and politics, both from the UK and abroad, to develop an informed view of how it actually works.