Christopher Hood, Colin Scott, Oliver James, George Jones, and Tony Travers
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198280996
- eISBN:
- 9780191599491
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198280998.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
Examines the practices of regulation over central government. It starts from the observation that control based on mutuality has traditionally been of central importance and assesses the extent to ...
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Examines the practices of regulation over central government. It starts from the observation that control based on mutuality has traditionally been of central importance and assesses the extent to which recent initiatives have been introduced more by way of oversight, and control through competition and contrived randomness. The chapter concludes that though the Whitehall has not been so sharply affected by processes of re‐regulation as other sectors examined in the study, such as schools and prisons, nonetheless it has not been immune from such reforms.Less
Examines the practices of regulation over central government. It starts from the observation that control based on mutuality has traditionally been of central importance and assesses the extent to which recent initiatives have been introduced more by way of oversight, and control through competition and contrived randomness. The chapter concludes that though the Whitehall has not been so sharply affected by processes of re‐regulation as other sectors examined in the study, such as schools and prisons, nonetheless it has not been immune from such reforms.
Ignacio Molina
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198296645
- eISBN:
- 9780191599613
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198296649.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The purpose of this chapter is to examine the national co-ordination of European Union (EU) policy in Spain. It concentrates on the processes that take place in Madrid, and using a threefold ...
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The purpose of this chapter is to examine the national co-ordination of European Union (EU) policy in Spain. It concentrates on the processes that take place in Madrid, and using a threefold categorization, examines the mechanisms used by central government in its dealings with the other main actors involved in the process. The first set of relationships are horizontal, and relate to non-governmental actors, including the Parliament, political parties, and interest groups; the second set are vertical, or more precisely intergovernmental, and concern relations between the centre and the periphery under the surveillance of the Constitutional Court; the third set are internal, and relate to intragovernmental co-ordination within the central administration and the core executive. These three sets of relationships are examined in the three main sections of the chapter. It is argued that Spain’s politico-constitutional uniqueness has been retained, and even reinforced within the EU, and that the Spanish case appears to challenge the assumption that Europeanization is hollowing out the state, since the Spanish state, here identified with its central government, has been strengthened since accession.Less
The purpose of this chapter is to examine the national co-ordination of European Union (EU) policy in Spain. It concentrates on the processes that take place in Madrid, and using a threefold categorization, examines the mechanisms used by central government in its dealings with the other main actors involved in the process. The first set of relationships are horizontal, and relate to non-governmental actors, including the Parliament, political parties, and interest groups; the second set are vertical, or more precisely intergovernmental, and concern relations between the centre and the periphery under the surveillance of the Constitutional Court; the third set are internal, and relate to intragovernmental co-ordination within the central administration and the core executive. These three sets of relationships are examined in the three main sections of the chapter. It is argued that Spain’s politico-constitutional uniqueness has been retained, and even reinforced within the EU, and that the Spanish case appears to challenge the assumption that Europeanization is hollowing out the state, since the Spanish state, here identified with its central government, has been strengthened since accession.
Frits M. Van Der Meer and Jos C. N. Raadschelders
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294467
- eISBN:
- 9780191600067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294468.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Dutch society takes pride in its egalitarian character, and political and administrative officeholders are neither separated off nor placed on a pedestal. This general attitude originates in the ...
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Dutch society takes pride in its egalitarian character, and political and administrative officeholders are neither separated off nor placed on a pedestal. This general attitude originates in the predominantly middle‐class nature of Dutch society, in which the idea of formal incorporation of top civil servants in a separate class of administrative personnel is foreign; however, at the same time, there is a striving for unity in the national administration. The issue of tension between unity and fragmentation forces an assessment in this chapter of current developments in the higher civil service in comparison with the situation as it existed from the Second World War up to the early 1990s, with the emphasis on developments in the past two decades in which the most important event was the formation of a Senior Public Service (the Algemene Bestuursdienst, or ABD) after 1 July 1995. The first main section of the chapter (section II) examines what is meant by a ‘senior civil service’ in the Dutch context, where even the creation of the ABD does not provide a conclusive answer, since there are many senior civil servants outside it. In order to address this issue, the characteristics of the Dutch personnel management system are examined, and a brief outline given of the ABD and of the number of top civil servants working at central government level in the period 1976–1995. Section III turns to the political–administrative organization and the consultative structures at the top of the central government departments, and discusses the structure of the ABD, while section IV discusses the political affiliation (politicization) of top civil servants, and section V looks at functional mobility at the top, with special attention to the functional motives for creating the ABD. Finally, the social political structure of the civil service is reviewed, with sections on social (VI) and educational (VII) background.Less
Dutch society takes pride in its egalitarian character, and political and administrative officeholders are neither separated off nor placed on a pedestal. This general attitude originates in the predominantly middle‐class nature of Dutch society, in which the idea of formal incorporation of top civil servants in a separate class of administrative personnel is foreign; however, at the same time, there is a striving for unity in the national administration. The issue of tension between unity and fragmentation forces an assessment in this chapter of current developments in the higher civil service in comparison with the situation as it existed from the Second World War up to the early 1990s, with the emphasis on developments in the past two decades in which the most important event was the formation of a Senior Public Service (the Algemene Bestuursdienst, or ABD) after 1 July 1995. The first main section of the chapter (section II) examines what is meant by a ‘senior civil service’ in the Dutch context, where even the creation of the ABD does not provide a conclusive answer, since there are many senior civil servants outside it. In order to address this issue, the characteristics of the Dutch personnel management system are examined, and a brief outline given of the ABD and of the number of top civil servants working at central government level in the period 1976–1995. Section III turns to the political–administrative organization and the consultative structures at the top of the central government departments, and discusses the structure of the ABD, while section IV discusses the political affiliation (politicization) of top civil servants, and section V looks at functional mobility at the top, with special attention to the functional motives for creating the ABD. Finally, the social political structure of the civil service is reviewed, with sections on social (VI) and educational (VII) background.
Max. M Edling
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195148701
- eISBN:
- 9780199835096
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195148703.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
In order to interpret the debate over the ratification of the US Constitution as a debate over state formation, it is necessary to know something both about the development of the European state in ...
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In order to interpret the debate over the ratification of the US Constitution as a debate over state formation, it is necessary to know something both about the development of the European state in the early modern period and about the ideological response that this development generated. The aim of this chapter is therefore to provide a historical sociology of state building. The first three sections discuss the development of the British state after the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89 (the deposition of James II and the accession of William III and Mary II to the English throne), concentrating on Britain not because it was by far the most common point of reference in the ratification debate, but rather because no other government was nearly as successful as the British when it came to raising taxes and mobilizing resources and men. The emphasis on discussion of Britain is not meant to imply that the Constitution was adopted in order to introduce a British “fiscal‐military state” in America, but rather to demonstrate that there were certain limits to the expansion of the central government in the USA that did not apply in Britain. Precisely for this reason, the state created by the Federalists was very different from the contemporary British state, and the last two sections of the chapter address the basis of these differences.Less
In order to interpret the debate over the ratification of the US Constitution as a debate over state formation, it is necessary to know something both about the development of the European state in the early modern period and about the ideological response that this development generated. The aim of this chapter is therefore to provide a historical sociology of state building. The first three sections discuss the development of the British state after the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89 (the deposition of James II and the accession of William III and Mary II to the English throne), concentrating on Britain not because it was by far the most common point of reference in the ratification debate, but rather because no other government was nearly as successful as the British when it came to raising taxes and mobilizing resources and men. The emphasis on discussion of Britain is not meant to imply that the Constitution was adopted in order to introduce a British “fiscal‐military state” in America, but rather to demonstrate that there were certain limits to the expansion of the central government in the USA that did not apply in Britain. Precisely for this reason, the state created by the Federalists was very different from the contemporary British state, and the last two sections of the chapter address the basis of these differences.
Max. M Edling
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195148701
- eISBN:
- 9780199835096
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195148703.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
It would be a fundamental mistake to assume a priori a complete correspondence between the historical sociology of state formation and the conceptual history of the “state,” or, in more general ...
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It would be a fundamental mistake to assume a priori a complete correspondence between the historical sociology of state formation and the conceptual history of the “state,” or, in more general terms, between institutional and intellectual development, and between political reality and political rhetoric. Equally, it would be a mistake to assume that there is no relation whatsoever, and it would have been remarkable if the great expansion of the fiscal and military capacity of central government in Britain in the early modern period had gone unnoticed by contemporaries, so as to leave no mark on historical, political, and social reflection. Shows that the European process of state formation had indeed influenced political commentary in giving rise to arguments analyzing and criticizing the growth of the state, and that these arguments found their way across the Atlantic from Britain to the American colonies in the form of “Country” thought, which gave rise to a complete vocabulary with which to respond to the growth of the British fiscal‐military state in the Anglo‐American world of political discourse. In fact, Antifederalism can be described as an expression of Country thought, although it cannot at the same time be claimed that Federalism was a repetition of the contrasting central Court defense of state expansion.Less
It would be a fundamental mistake to assume a priori a complete correspondence between the historical sociology of state formation and the conceptual history of the “state,” or, in more general terms, between institutional and intellectual development, and between political reality and political rhetoric. Equally, it would be a mistake to assume that there is no relation whatsoever, and it would have been remarkable if the great expansion of the fiscal and military capacity of central government in Britain in the early modern period had gone unnoticed by contemporaries, so as to leave no mark on historical, political, and social reflection. Shows that the European process of state formation had indeed influenced political commentary in giving rise to arguments analyzing and criticizing the growth of the state, and that these arguments found their way across the Atlantic from Britain to the American colonies in the form of “Country” thought, which gave rise to a complete vocabulary with which to respond to the growth of the British fiscal‐military state in the Anglo‐American world of political discourse. In fact, Antifederalism can be described as an expression of Country thought, although it cannot at the same time be claimed that Federalism was a repetition of the contrasting central Court defense of state expansion.
Anthony King
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199576982
- eISBN:
- 9780191702235
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199576982.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter presents a debate on whether local government was a good thing or a bad thing. Local government had few detractors but many admirers, most of whom saw it as reflecting a distinctively ...
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This chapter presents a debate on whether local government was a good thing or a bad thing. Local government had few detractors but many admirers, most of whom saw it as reflecting a distinctively British value of local pride and initiative. Inconsistency, duplicity, inefficiency, friction, costlines, mutual contempt and loathing, unpredictability, and changing were among the characteristics of local government that were believed by the party that was against it.Less
This chapter presents a debate on whether local government was a good thing or a bad thing. Local government had few detractors but many admirers, most of whom saw it as reflecting a distinctively British value of local pride and initiative. Inconsistency, duplicity, inefficiency, friction, costlines, mutual contempt and loathing, unpredictability, and changing were among the characteristics of local government that were believed by the party that was against it.
Vernon Bogdanor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197263334
- eISBN:
- 9780191734564
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197263334.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
‘Joined-up government’ has been a topic of important discussion in the early twenty-first century as much as it was in the end of the twentieth century. Reinventing government was a move towards the ...
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‘Joined-up government’ has been a topic of important discussion in the early twenty-first century as much as it was in the end of the twentieth century. Reinventing government was a move towards the ‘new public management’ which revolved on the importance to stimulate a business situation in the government and to apply the disciplines of the market to the public sector. The joined-up government on the other hand advocated a more holistic approach. It not only sought to apply the logic of economics but also the insights of other social sciences such as sociology and cultural theory to reform and change public service. This book focuses on the joined-up government strategy of the UK government. This strategy sought not only to bring together the government departments and agencies but also a number of various private and voluntary bodies for a common goal. The chapters in this book discusses the various barriers to the joined-up government such as contrasting perspectives of the central and local government, the conflicting departmental interests, and the diverging interests of the professionals.Less
‘Joined-up government’ has been a topic of important discussion in the early twenty-first century as much as it was in the end of the twentieth century. Reinventing government was a move towards the ‘new public management’ which revolved on the importance to stimulate a business situation in the government and to apply the disciplines of the market to the public sector. The joined-up government on the other hand advocated a more holistic approach. It not only sought to apply the logic of economics but also the insights of other social sciences such as sociology and cultural theory to reform and change public service. This book focuses on the joined-up government strategy of the UK government. This strategy sought not only to bring together the government departments and agencies but also a number of various private and voluntary bodies for a common goal. The chapters in this book discusses the various barriers to the joined-up government such as contrasting perspectives of the central and local government, the conflicting departmental interests, and the diverging interests of the professionals.
Takehisa Yamada
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780198292746
- eISBN:
- 9780191603891
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198292740.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This chapter discusses the export-oriented industrialization of pottery industry in modern Japan, focusing on the introduction and adoption of advanced technologies from Western countries. Special ...
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This chapter discusses the export-oriented industrialization of pottery industry in modern Japan, focusing on the introduction and adoption of advanced technologies from Western countries. Special attention is given to newly established, innovative, and modernized firms that promoted the export-oriented production. The role of research and training institutions, supported by central and local governments and trade associations, is also emphasized to explain the activities of these firms.Less
This chapter discusses the export-oriented industrialization of pottery industry in modern Japan, focusing on the introduction and adoption of advanced technologies from Western countries. Special attention is given to newly established, innovative, and modernized firms that promoted the export-oriented production. The role of research and training institutions, supported by central and local governments and trade associations, is also emphasized to explain the activities of these firms.
Brian Harrison
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198731214
- eISBN:
- 9780191694967
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198731214.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History, Social History
The British political system, though often criticised, has been the model and the inspiration for many national governments worldwide. Yet it is now at the centre of controversial debate within ...
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The British political system, though often criticised, has been the model and the inspiration for many national governments worldwide. Yet it is now at the centre of controversial debate within Britain itself. Over the 130 years since Bagehot wrote his English Constitution, no historian has investigated in depth how it has evolved in all its dimensions, and few political scientists have looked further back than the Second World War. This book provides a detailed explanation of how the British political system came to acquire the form it has today. The book's analysis runs continuously from the 1860s to the 1990s. It investigates such topics as civil liberties, pressure groups, parliament, elections and the parties, central and local government, cabinet, and monarchy. It also examines international and cultural influences on the working of the political system, and concludes by surveying contemporary proposals for reform.Less
The British political system, though often criticised, has been the model and the inspiration for many national governments worldwide. Yet it is now at the centre of controversial debate within Britain itself. Over the 130 years since Bagehot wrote his English Constitution, no historian has investigated in depth how it has evolved in all its dimensions, and few political scientists have looked further back than the Second World War. This book provides a detailed explanation of how the British political system came to acquire the form it has today. The book's analysis runs continuously from the 1860s to the 1990s. It investigates such topics as civil liberties, pressure groups, parliament, elections and the parties, central and local government, cabinet, and monarchy. It also examines international and cultural influences on the working of the political system, and concludes by surveying contemporary proposals for reform.
Maurice Wright
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199250530
- eISBN:
- 9780191697937
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199250530.003.0026
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
In 1978, Japan adopted the new System of National Accounts (SNA) which it integrates five major consumption accounts of the national economy, of which the income and outlay accounts for various ...
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In 1978, Japan adopted the new System of National Accounts (SNA) which it integrates five major consumption accounts of the national economy, of which the income and outlay accounts for various institutional sectors include those for ‘General Government’. This concept provides a common framework and criteria by which to measure, assess, and compare national and international fiscal and financial performance. It includes all producers providing but not selling government services to the community in three main categories: central government, local government, and social security funds. Using General Government, this chapter analyses the trends of spending in those three categories in Japan throughout the period 1975–2000 and compares Japan's fiscal performance with other G7 countries. There are three main performance indicators of General Government: outlays, fiscal balance, and the balance of assets and liabilities (gross and net debt). The results from using them are compared with those obtained by applying the Ministry of Finance's own preferred narrower definition of fiscal balance and debt, which excluded social security funds and included the accounts of public corporations.Less
In 1978, Japan adopted the new System of National Accounts (SNA) which it integrates five major consumption accounts of the national economy, of which the income and outlay accounts for various institutional sectors include those for ‘General Government’. This concept provides a common framework and criteria by which to measure, assess, and compare national and international fiscal and financial performance. It includes all producers providing but not selling government services to the community in three main categories: central government, local government, and social security funds. Using General Government, this chapter analyses the trends of spending in those three categories in Japan throughout the period 1975–2000 and compares Japan's fiscal performance with other G7 countries. There are three main performance indicators of General Government: outlays, fiscal balance, and the balance of assets and liabilities (gross and net debt). The results from using them are compared with those obtained by applying the Ministry of Finance's own preferred narrower definition of fiscal balance and debt, which excluded social security funds and included the accounts of public corporations.
Maurice Wright
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199250530
- eISBN:
- 9780191697937
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199250530.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
This chapter provides an organizational map of the terrain inhabited by Japan's Spending Ministries and Agencies before the implementation in January 2001 of the reforms to the central government ...
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This chapter provides an organizational map of the terrain inhabited by Japan's Spending Ministries and Agencies before the implementation in January 2001 of the reforms to the central government enacted in 1998–99. It begins with a brief historical review of the origins and development of ministries and agencies from the foundation of the modern state to the present day, to illustrate and emphasize the importance of stability, continuity, and evolutionary change in the structure of Japan's central government. Their hierarchical status is also discussed, together with the government enterprises and public corporations that they supervised. This chapter also looks inside the ministries and agencies, drawing attention to the key role played by the Minister's Secretariat generally in the policy-making processes, and to its Budget and Accounts Division more narrowly in the budgetary processes. The chapter concludes by explaining and assessing the proposals for the reconstruction of the central government in the legislation enacted by the second Hashimoto government in 1998, and that of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in the following year, implemented on January 6, 2001.Less
This chapter provides an organizational map of the terrain inhabited by Japan's Spending Ministries and Agencies before the implementation in January 2001 of the reforms to the central government enacted in 1998–99. It begins with a brief historical review of the origins and development of ministries and agencies from the foundation of the modern state to the present day, to illustrate and emphasize the importance of stability, continuity, and evolutionary change in the structure of Japan's central government. Their hierarchical status is also discussed, together with the government enterprises and public corporations that they supervised. This chapter also looks inside the ministries and agencies, drawing attention to the key role played by the Minister's Secretariat generally in the policy-making processes, and to its Budget and Accounts Division more narrowly in the budgetary processes. The chapter concludes by explaining and assessing the proposals for the reconstruction of the central government in the legislation enacted by the second Hashimoto government in 1998, and that of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in the following year, implemented on January 6, 2001.
Julian Goodare
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199243549
- eISBN:
- 9780191714160
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199243549.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History
Government is vital to human society, and raises large questions. There are three definitions of who or what the government of Scotland actually was. The first definition focuses on the everyday ...
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Government is vital to human society, and raises large questions. There are three definitions of who or what the government of Scotland actually was. The first definition focuses on the everyday business of central government and on the people and institutions most responsible for it. These people were the monarch, plus his or her officers of state and other members of the privy council, and leading courtiers and nobles resident at court. The second definition focuses on the large-scale, set-piece occasions when the political community assembled to deal with the big issues. These were parliaments that passed the legislation that so many of these issues called for; they also exercised a check on the crown's advisers, partly for that reason (it could never be taken wholly for granted that a controversial legislative proposal by the crown would be passed by parliament), but also because the crown's day-to-day exercise of authority required money — taxes — that parliaments could choose to grant or withhold. The third definition focuses on power as it was experienced directly by common people: local power.Less
Government is vital to human society, and raises large questions. There are three definitions of who or what the government of Scotland actually was. The first definition focuses on the everyday business of central government and on the people and institutions most responsible for it. These people were the monarch, plus his or her officers of state and other members of the privy council, and leading courtiers and nobles resident at court. The second definition focuses on the large-scale, set-piece occasions when the political community assembled to deal with the big issues. These were parliaments that passed the legislation that so many of these issues called for; they also exercised a check on the crown's advisers, partly for that reason (it could never be taken wholly for granted that a controversial legislative proposal by the crown would be passed by parliament), but also because the crown's day-to-day exercise of authority required money — taxes — that parliaments could choose to grant or withhold. The third definition focuses on power as it was experienced directly by common people: local power.
Brian Harrison
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198731214
- eISBN:
- 9780191694967
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198731214.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History, Social History
Although the central government of Britain grew out of monarchical institutions, it operated within a ‘civil society’ that was and still is full of vitality. Parliament's sovereignty was in theory ...
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Although the central government of Britain grew out of monarchical institutions, it operated within a ‘civil society’ that was and still is full of vitality. Parliament's sovereignty was in theory untrammelled within a unitary political system which left no autonomy to local authorities; yet in practice they enjoyed much freedom of action. Indeed, some see English local government as attaining its golden age between the 1860s and the 1930s, culminating in the Local Government Act of 1933. Fuelling centralisation was a Labour Party that had pervaded nineteenth-century local government, especially in the boroughs. But politics then centred upon local personalities and interests rather than upon national policy, whereas the inter-war Labour Party linked local politics to the programme of a national party and provided a new discipline for its local councillors. This chapter highlights the restraints on such authoritarian and centralised tendencies as British government might possess: the vitality of local self-government, a libertarian political tradition, and an associated voluntarist tradition that fuelled ideas on policy. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's attempts at local government reform are also examined.Less
Although the central government of Britain grew out of monarchical institutions, it operated within a ‘civil society’ that was and still is full of vitality. Parliament's sovereignty was in theory untrammelled within a unitary political system which left no autonomy to local authorities; yet in practice they enjoyed much freedom of action. Indeed, some see English local government as attaining its golden age between the 1860s and the 1930s, culminating in the Local Government Act of 1933. Fuelling centralisation was a Labour Party that had pervaded nineteenth-century local government, especially in the boroughs. But politics then centred upon local personalities and interests rather than upon national policy, whereas the inter-war Labour Party linked local politics to the programme of a national party and provided a new discipline for its local councillors. This chapter highlights the restraints on such authoritarian and centralised tendencies as British government might possess: the vitality of local self-government, a libertarian political tradition, and an associated voluntarist tradition that fuelled ideas on policy. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's attempts at local government reform are also examined.
Martin Loughlin
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198260158
- eISBN:
- 9780191682049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198260158.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
This chapter examines municipal socialism, an exercise which resulted in Labour councils developing collectivistic policies which were in direct antagonism to those being promoted by central ...
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This chapter examines municipal socialism, an exercise which resulted in Labour councils developing collectivistic policies which were in direct antagonism to those being promoted by central government during the 1980s. The emergence of municipal socialism highlights the relationship between law and convention in the conduct of local government business. It also reveals much of interest about the nature of the conflict in central-local relations during the 1980s. Since many of the practices of municipal socialist authorities were directly antagonistic to the policies being promoted by the central government, an examination of the disputes which arose may provide some insight not only into the sphere of autonomous action possessed by local government and of the centre's willingness to tolerate difference and diversity within the system but also of the government's capacity to dictate compliance with central prescription.Less
This chapter examines municipal socialism, an exercise which resulted in Labour councils developing collectivistic policies which were in direct antagonism to those being promoted by central government during the 1980s. The emergence of municipal socialism highlights the relationship between law and convention in the conduct of local government business. It also reveals much of interest about the nature of the conflict in central-local relations during the 1980s. Since many of the practices of municipal socialist authorities were directly antagonistic to the policies being promoted by the central government, an examination of the disputes which arose may provide some insight not only into the sphere of autonomous action possessed by local government and of the centre's willingness to tolerate difference and diversity within the system but also of the government's capacity to dictate compliance with central prescription.
Martin Loughlin
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198260158
- eISBN:
- 9780191682049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198260158.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
This chapter examines a number of issues which arise as a result of transformation in the role of law in central-local government relations. It also examines the utilization of legislation as an ...
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This chapter examines a number of issues which arise as a result of transformation in the role of law in central-local government relations. It also examines the utilization of legislation as an instrument of regulation and of adjudication as a primary mechanism of dispute resolution. It also considers some general questions concerning politics, law, and governance.Less
This chapter examines a number of issues which arise as a result of transformation in the role of law in central-local government relations. It also examines the utilization of legislation as an instrument of regulation and of adjudication as a primary mechanism of dispute resolution. It also considers some general questions concerning politics, law, and governance.
Julian Goodare
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199243549
- eISBN:
- 9780191714160
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199243549.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History
Most questions about how Scotland was governed tend sooner or later to lead back to the privy council. Below the crown, the council was the supreme executive authority, with a general political ...
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Most questions about how Scotland was governed tend sooner or later to lead back to the privy council. Below the crown, the council was the supreme executive authority, with a general political competence that allowed it to intervene in almost any area of government. This was partly because the privy council was more closely connected to the monarchy than any other executive body. The privy council was a corporate body, with its own administrative structure and traditions, able to run the daily central government by itself. This chapter looks at the privy council and its gradual emergence as the central coordinating body of daily government. It worked by consensus with the monarch (something that changed little even after 1603), and coordinated the executive government departments. The privy council's relationship with Scottish nobility is also considered.Less
Most questions about how Scotland was governed tend sooner or later to lead back to the privy council. Below the crown, the council was the supreme executive authority, with a general political competence that allowed it to intervene in almost any area of government. This was partly because the privy council was more closely connected to the monarchy than any other executive body. The privy council was a corporate body, with its own administrative structure and traditions, able to run the daily central government by itself. This chapter looks at the privy council and its gradual emergence as the central coordinating body of daily government. It worked by consensus with the monarch (something that changed little even after 1603), and coordinated the executive government departments. The privy council's relationship with Scottish nobility is also considered.
Julian Goodare
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199243549
- eISBN:
- 9780191714160
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199243549.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History
This chapter explores the administrative structure of central government in Scotland, focusing on how officers of state supervised the departments that actually delivered the governing. The link ...
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This chapter explores the administrative structure of central government in Scotland, focusing on how officers of state supervised the departments that actually delivered the governing. The link between government ministers and departments can immediately be qualified so far as concerns the first minister, the chancellor. He had formal precedence over all other officers of state, and his department, the chancery, was responsible for the great seal. Its main function was to process the inheritance of land titles and the confirmation of land transfers between subjects, an important but largely mechanical task. The secretary was the second of the really prestigious officers. He too was intimately connected with the privy council: he was responsible for its records, and was expected to be present at all meetings if possible. The 16th-century secretary's main responsibility was foreign affairs, which could include the handling of Border policy. Other officers include the clerk register, treasurer, comptroller, exchequer, collector general, the court, and the crown's legal counsel. The duties and responsibilities of these officers are discussed.Less
This chapter explores the administrative structure of central government in Scotland, focusing on how officers of state supervised the departments that actually delivered the governing. The link between government ministers and departments can immediately be qualified so far as concerns the first minister, the chancellor. He had formal precedence over all other officers of state, and his department, the chancery, was responsible for the great seal. Its main function was to process the inheritance of land titles and the confirmation of land transfers between subjects, an important but largely mechanical task. The secretary was the second of the really prestigious officers. He too was intimately connected with the privy council: he was responsible for its records, and was expected to be present at all meetings if possible. The 16th-century secretary's main responsibility was foreign affairs, which could include the handling of Border policy. Other officers include the clerk register, treasurer, comptroller, exchequer, collector general, the court, and the crown's legal counsel. The duties and responsibilities of these officers are discussed.
Holloway Kenneth W.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195371451
- eISBN:
- 9780199870653
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195371451.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This chapter discusses the social implications of unity in Guodian texts. It also discusses the application of unity to the question of royal succession by arguing that “Tang Yu zhidao” and “The Five ...
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This chapter discusses the social implications of unity in Guodian texts. It also discusses the application of unity to the question of royal succession by arguing that “Tang Yu zhidao” and “The Five Aspects of Conduct” similarly value a unity based on a hybrid composed of humanity and righteousness. Balancing humanity and righteousness entails unifying two competing centers of moral authority, the central government and the family (lineage group). The categories employed by the Guodian texts are comprehensive, so they pertain to more than simply the occasional selection of a sovereign. The balancing of humanity and righteousness will be shown to represent a religiously based political philosophy that is articulated with great clarity in Guodian.Less
This chapter discusses the social implications of unity in Guodian texts. It also discusses the application of unity to the question of royal succession by arguing that “Tang Yu zhidao” and “The Five Aspects of Conduct” similarly value a unity based on a hybrid composed of humanity and righteousness. Balancing humanity and righteousness entails unifying two competing centers of moral authority, the central government and the family (lineage group). The categories employed by the Guodian texts are comprehensive, so they pertain to more than simply the occasional selection of a sovereign. The balancing of humanity and righteousness will be shown to represent a religiously based political philosophy that is articulated with great clarity in Guodian.
Colin Thain and Maurice Wright
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198277842
- eISBN:
- 9780191684203
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198277842.003.0018
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics, Political Economy
Containing the pay and allied costs and numbers of civil servants and other public officials has been a priority of governments from 1976 onwards. This is not surprising, since in a period of public ...
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Containing the pay and allied costs and numbers of civil servants and other public officials has been a priority of governments from 1976 onwards. This is not surprising, since in a period of public expenditure restraint the ‘administrative costs’ of government are seen as an important area where the Treasury can exert pressure. Civil Service numbers have become a highly charged political issue, with all the associated rhetoric of ‘bureaucracy’ and ‘waste’. Separate budgets—running costs control—for central government departments' administrative expenditure, itemised in Parliamentary Supply Estimates, and the subject of cash limits, were introduced in April 1986. This chapter focuses on how the Treasury has handled the issues raised by Civil Service pay and manpower as they impact on the administrative costs of central government.Less
Containing the pay and allied costs and numbers of civil servants and other public officials has been a priority of governments from 1976 onwards. This is not surprising, since in a period of public expenditure restraint the ‘administrative costs’ of government are seen as an important area where the Treasury can exert pressure. Civil Service numbers have become a highly charged political issue, with all the associated rhetoric of ‘bureaucracy’ and ‘waste’. Separate budgets—running costs control—for central government departments' administrative expenditure, itemised in Parliamentary Supply Estimates, and the subject of cash limits, were introduced in April 1986. This chapter focuses on how the Treasury has handled the issues raised by Civil Service pay and manpower as they impact on the administrative costs of central government.
Martin Loughlin
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198260158
- eISBN:
- 9780191682049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198260158.003.0006
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
The central government has increasingly sought to use the grant mechanism as an instrument of expenditure restraint, and as a result, conflicts have been generated and local authorities turn to the ...
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The central government has increasingly sought to use the grant mechanism as an instrument of expenditure restraint, and as a result, conflicts have been generated and local authorities turn to the courts to act as umpires of the central-local financial relationship. This chapter examines how lawyers and courts have become involved in trying to use the law to establish a normative framework governing grant allocation. It highlights not only the limitations in the use of courts as regulators of the financial relationship but also the problems associated with the exercise of seeking to transform such a complex relationship into a rule-based game.Less
The central government has increasingly sought to use the grant mechanism as an instrument of expenditure restraint, and as a result, conflicts have been generated and local authorities turn to the courts to act as umpires of the central-local financial relationship. This chapter examines how lawyers and courts have become involved in trying to use the law to establish a normative framework governing grant allocation. It highlights not only the limitations in the use of courts as regulators of the financial relationship but also the problems associated with the exercise of seeking to transform such a complex relationship into a rule-based game.
