This textbook brings together an introduction to the political theory of democracy since Ancient times and a critical picture of its place in Britain today The author examines the work of Plato and Aristotle Rousseau and Mill Marx and Weber and locates them and others in the debate about what democracy means He then scrutinises Britain s claim to be a developing democracy from the power of the Prime Minister and the role of political parties to the influence of pressure groups and the media as well as recent constitutional changes In the context of declining public trust in political institutions and increasing reluctance to vote crucial questions are tackled do we have a democracy and why does it matter Key Features A wide ranging accessible introduction to the place of Democracy in Britain todayDivided into two halves on democratic theory reflecting its history development and key concepts and democratic practice examining political institutions Offers examples of documentary material to illustrate the ideas presentedUp to date includes material written after the 2005 General Election