Much Governed Nation

This is a four-volume set. Volume 1, "The Rise of Collectivism" establishes the central theme that the most important feature of British political life since the 19th century has been the extension of the role of government at all levels. Volume 2, "The Ideological Heritage", reviews the development of the three main political ideologies in British politics: Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, with special reference to the ways in which they have affected or responded to the rise of collectivism. Volumes 3 and 4, "A Much Governed Nation Parts 1 and 2", examine the way in which our political arrangements have been adapted and extended to deal with the wider range of responsibilities thrust upon them. These two volumes also describe the changes in the main traditional institutions (local government, the civil service, the cabinet and parliament) as they deal with the growth of the state, as well as looking at the increased use of delegated legislation and administrative tribunals.