The English Constitution

Walter Bagehot wrote a book called The English Constitution. It is thought to be one of the best books ever written about the past and workings of the British government. When the book was written, there were heated arguments in Britain about giving working-class men and women the right to vote. In his book, Bagehot looks at what makes the British government system "dignified" and "efficient." The word "dignified" refers to the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the ceremonies and customs that go along with them. The part about "efficient" is about the House of Commons and how the government works. Bagehot says that the British political system works so well because it strikes a good mix between being respectful and getting things done. He also talks about how conventions and practices are important in the British system and how they help keep things stable and consistent.