John Campbell Lecture 2014: Argues 'For' A Federal Constitutional Settlement

Started by Orchid, October 04, 2014, 09:05:48 PM

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Orchid

I'm still not sure the Republic board is the most suitable place for this topic as it stretches across many of our topical categories, Royalty Today and Current Affairs included, however for now I have posted it here.

QuoteIn the wake of the Scottish referendum, Professor Stephen Haseler argues for a federal constitutional settlement.

For the fourth annual John Campbell Lecture, Professor Stephen Haseler will introduce his new book, Our Broken Kingdom.

Professor Haseler will argue that the Scottish referendum has dealt a fatal blow to our antiquated constitution, giving us an opportunity to replace the failed Westminster system with a new federal settlement. He will outline what this could mean for the monarchy - among other political institutions - and explain how such fundamental constitutional change could see Britain finally breaking with its imperial past.

Stephen Haseler is professor of government at London Metropolitan University and director of the Global Policy Institute in London. He has held visiting professorships at Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. His specialisms are British politics, the UK constitution, transatlantic relations and European defence and has authored numerous books on these subjects.

John Campbell Lecture 2014: Professor Stephen Haseler | Republic

Very interesting. I shall likely attend this. It's a complex and evolutionary/revolutionary debate.  From my perspective (as someone who values and supports progressive politics) the Scottish Referendum has, and continues to be, a wonderful fulcrum for addressing constitutional change in our country.
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things."
-Winston Churchil

HistoryGirl


Orchid

I do hope so, HistoryGirl.  I find the very act of debating the instituted to be an immensely important and promising act for our society. I'm very interested to see what points are presented for debate at this lecture.
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things."
-Winston Churchil

cate1949

I find it interesting that the UK is contemplating federalism while some people in the USA are looking at Canada's parliamentary system and thinking that is good because it would end the deadlocked congress we appear to have in the US.  Now the discussion in the UK is a serious one whereas the discussion in the US is just a sort of fantasy idea floating around once in awhile.  So big difference.

But I do see the advantage of mor e localized control - democracy works better when it is closer to those governed - more potential for accountability.  So please do report to us if you attend - will be quite interesting to hear what he says.

DaisyMeRollin

I wonder if transcripts or footage of the lecture will be released. Either way, good find.

Quote from: cate1949 on October 06, 2014, 05:55:09 AM
I find it interesting that the UK is contemplating federalism while some people in the USA are looking at Canada's parliamentary system and thinking that is good because it would end the deadlocked congress we appear to have in the US.  Now the discussion in the UK is a serious one whereas the discussion in the US is just a sort of fantasy idea floating around once in awhile.  So big difference.

But I do see the advantage of mor e localized control - democracy works better when it is closer to those governed - more potential for accountability.  So please do report to us if you attend - will be quite interesting to hear what he says.

:clap:

I think James Maddison's concept of Federalism, with the addition of a contemporary outlook could stand on its own. I think one of the glaringly obvious problems, in terms of Federalism today, is that the majority in state senates have an easy outlet for unchecked gerrymandering of districts. If the UK could apply more stringent amendments (if they're not going to present a new constitution) to circumvent regional/localized corruption, why not?
"No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives." - Neil DeGrasse Tyson