GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

The political landscape has never been more unpredictable than at the present time with old assumptions and institutions under challenge from the rise of populism with its profound consequences both in the UK and the USA. Politics will appeal to those who are interested in the structures of power and authority within British society and the USA. The course examines the way that institutions in the UK and US resolve conflicts, allocate resources and respond to changing political behaviour. In addition pupils will explore the key ideologies which have shaped the polity of the UK and USA and the key thinkers who have developed discourse in the areas of conservatism, liberalism, socialism and anarchism.

The A level course compromises three modules: each equally weighted and assessed by a written examination.

Duncan Hine Head of Government and Politics

Scheme Of Assessment

• Paper 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

The central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation will be examined. Pupils will also learn about the significance of Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Referendums as well as the traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism.

• Paper 2: UK Government and 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 role of the courts in protecting civil liberties. The key strands of anarchism will also be examined.

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Paper 3: USA and Comparative Politics

This module involves a study of the US Constitution, 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 explain the similarities and differences between the UK and US political systems.