Government and Politics

Course summary

with a keen interest in current affairs, and those who enjoy discussion and debate. Students will also be expected to engage in deeper philosophical issues such as: which should be more powerful: the individual or the state? What is democracy and how can it best be organised and made effective? Who deserves to exercise political power? The course offers a broad introduction to the political system in the UK. You will learn about the role of, and the relationship between, parliament and the prime minister. You will study what members of the different political parties believe and consider why they believe these things. You will also learn about how and why our political system has changed, and consider if any further change is necessary or desirable. You will also have lots of opportunities to discuss recent political developments in Britain and the wider world. Once you have a foundation in British politics, you will study political ideologies, investigating the traditions and influence of conservatism, liberalism, socialism and feminism. In the Upper Sixth, you will study wider political issues, particularly the nature and impact of globalisation. Included in this will be a study of how successful international organisations are addressing problems such as human rights, slavery and the degradation of our natural environment.