A Level Government and Politics

Teacher: Abi Wharton

Government & Politics AS/A2 Level

Government and Politics is a fascinating and constantly changing subject that challenges students’ ideas about how democracy works. By studying this subject at A level, students will learn about how government is organised in the UK and the USA in theory and how politics actually works in practice. Students are asked to cast a critical eye over what they learn to form arguments for and against reform.

Skills in research are crucial and students are required to engage in independent study. They are encouraged to challenge their own beliefs and to develop skills of empathy and persuasive argument as well as a sense that arguments must be balanced before conclusions are made. Students learn how to approach short structured questions, how to study stimulus material and how to structure essays.

We expect students to develop an extensive knowledge of current affairs and to build up real examples that they can apply to understanding their own lives and to relate to issues in other subjects.

The subject would suit anyone with an interest in current affairs who is keen to learn more. Students need to be prepared to stay up-to-date using newspapers, magazines and documentaries and to be prepared to discuss politics and to listen and try to understand others’ views.

Content

AS

UNIT 1: People and Politics
• democracy and political participation
• party policies and ideas • elections
• pressure groups

UNIT 2: Governing the UK
• the constitution
• Parliament
• Prime Minister and Cabinet
• judges and civil liberties e.g. Should the House of Lords be elected?

A2

UNIT 3: Representative Processes in the USA racial and ethnic politics
• elections and voting
• political parties
• pressure groups
e.g. To what extent does racism continue to be an issue in US politics?

UNIT 4: Governing the USA
• the Constitution
• Congress
• presidency
• Supreme Court
e.g. Are Supreme Court justices ‘politicians in disguise’? Why is it difficult to enact gun control?

Entry Requirements

Grade B in GCSE English