Insightful analyses of recent reforms to parliamentary institutions and governance in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Paper (0773525084) 9780773525085
Release date: 2003-06-11
CA $32.95 | US $32.95
Parliamentary government combines stability and dynamism. Its continuity is rooted in enduring principles such as citizen representation and accountability to the legislature. But parliamentary systems have evolved in response to changes in the societies they govern and in citizens' views about democratic practices. In Reforming Parliamentary Democracy the authors demonstrate how, in their respective countries, parliamentary governments have combined stability with the capacity to adapt to such changes. They provide insightful analyses of recent reforms to parliamentary institutions and governance in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The authors address issues of representation - the move to a proportional electoral system in New Zealand, the unsuccessful attempt to establish a domestic head of state in Australia, and the reform of the British House of Lords - and demonstrate that citizens increasingly want legislative institutions to more closely reflect the societies they serve. To discuss responsiveness, the governance of indigenous communities and their place within the broader society in Canada and New Zealand are examined, as is the role of institutions other than legislatures that are involved in protecting minority rights and responding to various forms of diversity. A separate chapter analyses the basis for and merits of proposals to reform the Canadian House of Commons. In addition, authors review the dynamics of federalism, intergovernmental relations, and other processes of multi-level governance in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Public debate about adapting governance processes to changing conditions and citizen values is a necessary condition of successful democracies and there is much to learn from progress and false starts in other parliamentary democracies. Contributors include Jonathan Boston (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Paul Chartrand (consultant, Victoria, British Columbia), Stéphane Dion (minister of Intergovernmental Relations, Government of Canada), David Docherty, Mason Durie (Massey University), Robert Hazell (University College London), Christina Murray (University of Cape Town), Cheryl Saunders (University of Melbourne), Leslie Seidle, Jennifer Smith (Dalhousie University), and Lord Wakeham (former chairman of the Royal Commission on House of Lords Reform).
Review quotes
"A significant contribution to the field of parliamentary studies both in respect to parliaments themselves and how they relate to other state Institutions, such as courts. Comparative studies of Westminster-derived parliaments are few and far between, and this one does a good job of revealing how these legislatures continue to adapt to distinctive local circumstances." Anthony Sayers, Department of Political Science, University of Calgary
F. Leslie Seidle is senior director, National and International Research and Policy Development, at Elections Canada. He was previously research director (Governance) at the Institute for Research on Public Policy and senior research coordinator for the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing.
David C. Docherty is associate professor and chair, Department of Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University and author of Mr Smith Goes to Ottawa: Life in the House of Commons.
