Links
Useful links:
Independent Political Bodies
The Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission aims to ensure“integrity and public confidence in the democratic process”.
The Hansard Society
The Hansard Society describes itself as “the UK’s leading independent, non-partisan political research and education charity”, whose main aim is to seek to improve democratic process and public participation in UK politics.
Better Government Initiative
The Better Government Initiative was formed as a response to widespread concerns about the practical difficulties which government today faces as it seeks to run the country against a background of rapid change.
The Constitution Unit at UCL
The Constitution Unit at UCL is the UK’s foremost independent research body on constitutional change. It is part of the UCL School of Public Policy.
Unlock Democracy
“Unlock Democracy is the UK’s leading campaign for democracy, rights and freedoms. A grassroots movement, we are owned and run by our members.”
Electoral Reform Society
“The Electoral Reform Society is an independent campaigning organisation working to make politics better”.
Useful Websites
Theyworkforyou
TheyWorkForYou is a website dedicated to increasing the transparency of government activity, by publishing information such as voting decisions of individual MPs, written questions and Commons debates. It also enables any citizen to find out the parliamentary activity undertaken by their own MP.
Lords of the Blog
Blog written by various peers giving a fascinating insight into the goings on of the upper house.
Tutor2u
Political blog, particularly useful as a resource for students and teachers.
British Institutions
UK Parliament
The UK Parliament’s official website, containing factual information, as well as a huge number of reports and publications regarding all aspects of Parliament and its internal organs.
The Cabinet office
The official website of the Cabinet Office, providing information relating to the workings of the office and its relationship to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
Civil Service
The official website of the Civil Service.
The British Monarchy
The official website of the British Monarchy.
The UK Supreme Court
The UK’s final court of appeal for civil cases since its enactment in 2009.
European Institutions
European Parliament
The official website of the European Parliament – the only directly-elected body of the EU.
European Council
The official website of the European Council, whose role is to set the political agenda and direction of the EU.
Council of the European Union
The official website of the Council of the European Union – the main decision-making body of the EU.
European Commission
The official website of the European Commission – the EU’s executive body
Council of Europe
The official website of the Council of Europe, a seperate body entirely to the EU which aims to promote certain democratic values and principles throughout Europe.
European Court of Human Rights
The official website of the European Court of Human rights, an international court which rules by interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights.
