Paper 1: UK Politics The Politics of the UK involves studying democracy itself; how is this defined in the UK, how has people’s ability to get involved increased in the last century and what factors affect voting behavior in the UK? We will also look at the different electoral systems in use in the UK, the history and ideology of the main political parties, and the role and importance of pressure groups within the UK political system. Finally, there will be an in-depth study of core political ideas including conservatism, socialism, and liberalism. Paper 2: UK Government This paper looks at the way the UK is governed and how party politics has developed and affects us today. Within the Government of the UK you will study the UK constitution and the implications of its uncodified nature. We will look at how Parliament is made up, and the various roles of its personnel, including how well it carries out its overarching roles of representation, legislation and scrutiny. We will then study the role of the PM and cabinet in detail and look at the judiciary, including how the judicial system is linked to the other branches of government. Finally, this paper includes a study of nationalism as a political concept. Paper 3: Comparative Politics: The USA This paper offers a chance to study the US political system in depth and to compare this to the UK. Topics here include the US Constitution, the role of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court, US electoral processes such as the Electoral College to elect the President, and how determinants of voting behavior differ in the US to the UK. There will also be a close look at political parties, the role of pressure groups, and case studies on the protection of civil rights within America.