Introduction: the idea of political education

This article considers the current context for renewed concern about 'polit ical education' worldwide and in the UK. The concept 'political education' is analysed, as are nonnative and positive questions about the relationship between education and political outcomes. The article goes on to consider the history of and reasons for UK exceptionalism as regards this aspect of educational policy-explanations for British antipathy to political educatio n are sought in aspects of British political institutions and political cul ture.