Studying politics in an objective way creates a balanced approach to major issues such as competing political ideologies, policies and parties and social conditions and issues. It introduces the complexity behind the scenes of government and explains the roles, traditions and processes of government as well as the interaction with other governments globally and of course with Europe. In this sense it is both practical and an essential tool in terms of understanding and taking part in the political life of the UK. Students develop inquiring minds, good debating skills and the ability to formulate balanced and reasoned arguments.