Government and Politics

Assessment

Component 1 - UK Politics and Core Political Ideas: Students explore the nature of politics and how people engage in the UK political process. They will explore the emergence and development of the UK’s democratic system and focus on the role and scope of political parties. Students will also examine how electoral systems in the UK operate. This component will also examine the role of the media in contemporary politics. Finally, students will explore the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. Component 2 - UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas: students develop their understanding of where, how and by whom political decisions are made. It introduces students to the set of rules governing politics in the UK, and the UK constitution. It further introduces students to the specific roles and powers of the different major branches of the government as well as the relationship and balance of power between them. Component 1 and Component 2 are each assessed by a 2-hour written paper. Component 3 - Comparative Politics: the study of the Government and Politics of the USA: The USA has been considered by some to be a ‘beacon’ of democracy. As a world power, understanding the nature of US democracy, and the debates surrounding it is crucial given the considerable impact that the USA has on UK politics. Students will explore the US Constitution, and the key institutions of government and analyse the way they achieve power and exercise it. Component 3 is assessed with a 2-hour exam of 3 sections worth a total of 84 marks.