Government and Politics

Course summary

A Level Politics enables students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhances their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political systems of the United Kingdom and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ. They gain a genuine understanding of the world around them – at a time when young people have never been more interested in global politics. Written and oral skills will be strengthened ahead of university or the workplace as students develop the ability to put forward arguments and analyse differing points of view. Each unit is assessed through a written examination of 2 hours duration. Year 1: British Politics Topics: The British Constitution · Parliament · Prime Minister and Cabinet · The Judiciary · Devolution · Democracy and Participation · Elections and Referendums · Political Parties · Pressure Groups · The EU Year 2: USA Politics Topics: The Constitutional Framework · Legislative Branch – Congress · Executive Branch -President · Judicial Branch – The Supreme Court · US Electoral Process and Direct Democracy · Political Parties · Pressure Groups · Civil Rights · Liberalism · Conservatism · Socialism · Ecologism