These two volumes have one simple objective - to provide a summary of the key findings of all the projects on the Economic and Social Research Council's Whitehall Programme. The Programme combined basic research on the evolution of British government with policy relevant research on contemporary practice in Britain and Europe. Volume 1 surveys the main constitutional changes. Volume 2 examines the changing roles and relationships of the Prime Minister, ministers and civil servants. Edited by Rod Rhodes and written by a team of distinguished political scientists and historians these volumes provide an authoritative account of how British government has changed over the past fifty years.

Introduction by: Ben Pimlott