'Parliament Today' is an up-to-date textbook, explaining Parliament's historical and constitutional context but focusing on how it operates in modern Britain and how it might be reformed. It looks at parliamentary government in theory and practice, drawing widely on academic research and making extensive use of Parliament's own records. Themes and concepts are illustrated by historical, recent and contemporary examples. Where appropriate, comparisons are made with practice in other countries.
Parliament is treated as a single political institution, at the same time drawing out the similarities and differences between Commons and Lords. Boxes set out themes and concepts, figures illustrate the physical layout and tables provide detailed information on Parliament's operation.
'Parliament Today' is intended for students of politics from A-level to final year undergraduates, but also for anyone interested in what Parliament does and how it works.

1. Parliament in context
2. The origins and development of parliament
3. The functions of parliament
4. Parliament and democracy
5. The personnel of parliament
6. The professionalisation ofparliament
7. The organisation of business
8. The legislative role
9. The scrutiny role
10. Parliament and the people
11. Parliament and the government
12. Reforming parliament
Sources and further reading

Michael Rush is Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Exeter