Government & Politics

Entry Requirements: A minimum of grade 6 in GCSE English Literature | Exam Board: Edexcel

Why study Government and Politics?

A level Politics is a demanding, but exciting, academic course that covers a wide range of theoretical and practical topics relating to the political systems of the UK and USA and political theory.

In Year 12, we focus on how the UK political system works: the institutions of government, how it is elected and the limits of power that it exercises over its citizens. This is followed by the study of a number of ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism and feminism. In Year 13, students focus on US government and politics, including the role of the President and the importance of the Supreme Court and civil rights.

Lessons are an exchange of ideas and opinions and involve debate and discussion. Students will develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to evaluate and comment on the nature of politics.

Although most students begin the course with no previous knowledge of politics, it is important that they are interested in current affairs and news, and it is expected that they regularly read quality newspapers and newsfeeds, watch news programmes such as Newsnight on BBC2, and that they have a keen desire to know more about the way the UK and the US are governed.

The Course

1. UK Politics (23.5% of the A level)

Exploring the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. This includes studying: the emergence and development of the UK’s democratic system, the role and scope of political parties, the electoral systems that operate in the UK, why individuals and groups vote as they do and the role of the media in contemporary politics.

2. UK Government (23.5% of the A level)

Exploring the nature of government in the UK – where, how, and by whom political decisions are made. This includes studying: the set of rules governing politics in the UK (the constitution), the powers and roles of the different branches of government, recent constitutional change and the desirability of further reform and the issue of sovereignty within the UK.

3. Political ideas (20% of the A level)

Exploring the key features of a number of core political ideologies and thinkers, including: liberalism, conservatism, socialism and feminism.

4. Politics of the USA (33% of the A level)

Exploring a wide range of issues and challenges that shape US politics in the 21st century. This includes studying: the US Constitution and federalism, US presidency, US democracy and participation, US Supreme Court and civil rights, US Congress and US Federalism.

The A level is examined via three two-hour written examinations taken at the end of Year 13.

Opportunities

Many Politics students also choose to study History which fits particularly well as part of an A level programme. Politics also fits well with subjects such as English, French, Geography and Economics. It has formed a useful part of Maths/Science-based courses for many students. Government and Politics is a good choice for anyone who finds current affairs interesting, but especially students considering law, research, politics, data analysis and journalism.