People Power: A user's guide to democracy - Hardcover

Jellinek, Dan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 059307050X ISBN 13: 9780593070505

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2014

Synopsis

As protestors around the world risk their lives in pursuit of democracy, in the UK the word has never seemed so tarnished. Surveys regularly show our politicians are not liked, not trusted and not wanted. Voter turnout is shockingly low, and episodes such as the MPs' expenses scandal serve to confirm the opinion that public officials are all as bad as each other.

So what is the answer?

Lighting the way through the corridors of power, Dan Jellinek provides a unique and accessible guide to democracy in Britain, explaining how its elements work - from national and local government to free speech, the internet and the rule of law - and the role that we, the public, need to play to keep the wheels turning.

Illustrated by Harry Venning (Clare in the Community, Hamlet), People Power's mission is not only to explain but to galvanise and engage people in a positive way. If you want to know how your small actions can bring about big changes, how you can improve your lot and the lives of others, then you must read this book. Stand up and be counted. The power is in your hands.

About this title

Review

"An excellent introduction." (Tam Dalyell, Father of the House, 2001-2005)

"The more we know how to change things, the more we know how to make things better. And this book is an important tool in the toolbox." (Caroline Lucas MP)

"A ground-up account of the democratic process in the UK... identifies some of the problems with the dream of digital democracy, arguing that the power is still ours" (Philip Maughan New Statesman - NS Recommends)

"This book is well-informed and clearly written - read it for an accurate and empowering understanding of how our democracy works, or could work." (Professor Gerry Stoker, Director of the Centre for Citizenship, Globalization and Governance, University of Southampton)

"Highly readable and fascinating... an enjoyable narrative... These and many more revelations transform what sounds like an unpromising subject into an unexpected page-turner. Jellinek deserves huge credit for this." (Chris Moncrieff Northern Echo)

"Not a book for political nerds, although even they may find some new nuggets of information within. Instead he is writing for members of the general public. This a book that I would warmly recommend." (Mary Reid Liberal Democrat Voice)

"**** Amid the general climate of cynicism about party politics, he sees an appetite for active citizenship, empowered by the internet as well as the ballot box." (The Law Society Gazette)

"A refreshing take on the UK political system and our role in shaping it." (The Information Daily)

Book Description

A fascinating and accessible guide to democracy in the UK: what it means, how it works and why we need to protect it

Edition details

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 059307050X
• ISBN 13: 9780593070505
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336