Government and Politics

Course summary

To develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, within the United Kingdom, the United States and globally. To develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes. To develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics as well as understanding the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups. To be able to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements about contemporary political issues. • Unit 1: UK Politics: Democracy and Participation, Political Parties, Electoral Systems, Voting Behaviour, Core Political Ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism • Unit 2: UK Government: Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and executive, Relationship between the branches including the Supreme Court, Non-core Political Ideas - Nationalism • Unit 3: Government and Politics of the USA: Constitution and federalism, Congress, Presidency, Supreme Court and Civil Rights, Democracy and participation, Comparative Theories