Government and Politics

Assessment

The A-level course comprises three modules: each equally weighted and assessed by a written examination. Component 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideas This unit introduces pupils to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation by examining the role and development of Parties, Pressure Groups, the Electoral System and Referendums. Pupils will learn about the traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, how they apply in practice to human nature, the state, society and the economy, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers. Component 2: UK Government & Non-core Political Ideas This unit examines the functioning of the Constitution, the role and significance of Parliament, the power of the executive and the effectiveness of the courts in protecting civil liberties. Pupils will learn about the political idea of Feminism, its core ideas and principles, the divisions and key thinkers. Component 3: The USA & Comparative Politics This module involves a study of the US Constitution and federalism, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. In addition, issues of civil rights, democracy and participation are covered. The comparative element examines rational, cultural and structural approaches to explaining similarities and differences in the government and politics of different countries with a comparison of the main features of the UK and US systems.