In Search of the Constitution
First published in 1977, In Search of the Constitution consists of a collection of critical reflections on the condition of government and politics in Britain. After a discussion of the effects of the growth in the government's responsibility for the economy and of the extension of the welfare state since 1945, the argument is advanced that political problems by 1970s have assumed a constitutional character. The traditional constitutional theory no longer corresponds to the political realities, but no replacement for it has been found.
The central parts of the book analyse Parliament and its role, the central direction of government, the character of the Civil Service, the threats to the unitary state implicit in demands for devolution, individual rights and the rule of law, parties and political elites. It concludes by presenting a case for constitutional reconstruction and outlines what this might involve. This is a must read for students of British politics.
Nevil Johnson (at the time of the original publication of the book) was with Nuffield College, Oxford.