Government and Politics

Course summary

olitics affects everything we do in life and this A Level course takes a look at the major functions of government and politics in the UK and beyond. During the Lower Sixth year, students study political participation, including democracy, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. They also study core political ideas such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism. Along with this, they will look at UK Government, including the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive and relations between branches of government. They will also study one of the following ideas: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism or nationalism. During the Upper Sixth year, students study the US Constitution and federalism, Congress, Presidency, Supreme Court, civil rights, democracy and participation and comparative theories. This is a subject where candidates get to practise skills of explanation, analysis, synthesis and evaluation to a high level. Consequently, it is well regarded by both universities and employers. The study of Politics will develop the following skills: analytical and critical reasoning, oral and written communication, and research skills. Course content: • Component 1: UK Politics • Component 2: UK Government • Component 3: Comparative Politics