Government and Politics

Course summary

The skills that you learn in the study of Politics will be useful for many areas of employment, such as law, teaching and broadcasting, and journalism. You will develop skills of analysis, research and communication and the ability to debate an issue and argue a case effectively. UK Politics and Core Political Ideas You will investigate in detail how people and politics interact. You will explore the emergence and development of the UK's democratic system and the similarities and parallels between direct and indirect democracy. UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas This component is fundamental to understanding the nature of the UK government, as it enables students to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made. Students will explore the following key themes: the relative powers of the different branches of the UK government; the extent to which the constitution has changed in recent years; the desirability of further change; and the current location of power within the UK political system. Comparative Politics (Government and Politics of the USA) 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, European and global politics. Students will explore the US Constitution and the arguments surrounding US democracy. In learning about the key institutions of government in the USA and analysing the way they achieve this power and exercise it over their citizens, students will judge ultimately whether 'liberty and justice for all' has been achieved in the USA.