[7] Norton's early work is notable for having spearheaded the academic discussion on dissidence in the House of Commons with the publication of his first book in 1975.

[8] Since 1988, Norton has been responsible for the university's "Westminster-Hull Internship Programme" (WHIP), a placement scheme which pairs students with some of the UK's top politicians.

[13][14] In 2000 he chaired a commission for Leader of the Opposition William Hague to design ideas for the strengthening of the institution of Parliament,[15] and from 2001 to 2004 he served as the first Conservative chairman of the House of Lords Constitution Committee.

He is convenor and co-founder of the Campaign for an Effective Second Chamber: a group which reinforces the utility of the House of Lords as a democratic institution.

[19] The campaign argues in favour of the experience and expertise of peers in delivering legislative amendments, scrutiny and effective debate, with recognition that such functions are, at present, fulfilled.

The campaign disputes the creation of an elected House of Lords, due to the absence of basic accountability such a format would enable.