Government and Politics

Course summary

Politics at A-level allows pupils to immerse themselves in the struggle for power and influence which resides at the heart of all political debate. It will provide pupils with a thorough grounding in the political structure and processes of both the United Kingdom and the most powerful democracy in the world, the United States of America. As well as this, it also introduces its pupils to the key ideas which have informed political debate in the last century and to the thinkers who have developed them. The course seeks to challenge the notion that politics is of little consequence to those still at school and, as well as providing its candidates with a high-value academic qualification, it imbues them with a knowledge and understanding of the decision-making process which will enable them to play their part as an active and informed citizen. Component 1 UK Politics and Core Political Ideas Topics include the key features of democracy, the conduct of elections and referendums, UK political parties, voting behaviour, the role of the media and three core ideas (Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism). Component 2 UK Government and a Non-Core PoliticalIdea (Nationalism or Feminism) Topics include the UK Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and cabinet, the relationship between the branches of government and Nationalism. Component 3 Comparative Politics Topics include the US Constitution and the three branches of government (Congress, the President and the Supreme Court), federalism, civil rights, US political parties and pressure groups