The 4th edition of this popular textbook has been fully revised and updated to match the requirements for the new A-level in government and politics for the Edexcel and AQA exam board specifications. Written by renowned author Andrew Heywood, this lively text expertly introduces A-level students to the basics of UK politics, and covers key areas including political parties, elections and referendums, voting behaviour and the media, the Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary and the European Union. Keeping pace with the tumultuousness of UK politics of the last few years, it incorporates coverage of the referendum on the UK's European Union membership in 2016 and its consequences as well as the 2017 general election. New to this Edition: - Content restructured to map on to the new A level specifications - 'Milestones': provides annotated timelines for the historical development of various issues - 'UK Politics in Action': places the focus on key events in British politics