1st Edition

The Politics of Accountability in the Modern State

By Matthew Flinders Copyright 2001

    This title was first published in 2001: In this compelling work, Matthew Flinders examines how far alternative forms of accountability have evolved and the extent to which they remedy the current shortcomings of the parliamentary system. Adopting a pluralistic perspective, this exploration of the accountability of the core executive is clearly grounded in research methodology, thus ensuring the book makes a valid, incisive contribution to the literature. Features include: - A detailed study of the location of power and mechanisms of accountability in modern government which challenges the largely prosaic existing literature - Useful summaries of the key tensions and trends within constitutional infrastructure - A new and refreshing approach to the study of central government - Insightful critiques of major governmental policies This intriguing volume will be of interest to undergraduates, post-graduates and lecturers for courses on legislative studies, central government reform, public administration, British politics and research methods.

    Contents: History and Theory: Reinventing accountability. Accountability Models and Case Study Analysis: Parliamentary accountability: demoralised or revitalised?; Parliamentary accountability and the Home Office; Judicial accountability; Judicial accountability in the Home Office; Managerial accountability and the contract state; Managerial accountability and the Home Office. Freedom of Information and Conclusion: The executive morality and inverted conventions: ministerial responsibility and freedom of information; Understanding the politics of accountability; Methodology; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Matthew Flinders, The University of Sheffield, UK

    ’...carefully and incisively dissects the multiple meanings of accountability in Britain today...essential reading for all those who wish to understand politics and constitutional reform in Britain today.’ Professor Martin Smith, University of Sheffield, UK ’There is much of value in this book...a very useful and welcome addition to the current literature.’ Journal of Legislative Studies