AS/A2 Government and Politics (level 3)

Analyse and evaluate political information, arguments and explanations and identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of the political system studied

Construct and communicate coherent arguments making use of a range of appropriate political vocabulary

Is it for me?

The course suits those who have an interest in current affairs, are willing to discuss issues in an open forum and debating situation and who wish to know how decisions affecting their lives are made.

Assessment is exam based.

Please note, the availability of the A2 Level programme depends on the numbers choosing to study this course – please contact the college for latest details.

What’s involved?

AS

Paper One - People, Politics and Participation

This unit focuses on the theme of political behaviour in the UK. It explores how people’s different patterns of participation can be explained and the forms of participation in a democracy. The importance of voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems in communicating political opinion and the controversies surrounding the use of referendum are all key topics.

Paper Two - Governing Modern Britain

This unit focuses on the process of governing the UK, with power dispersed from local to European levels. The extent to which Britain’s unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between rights and the power of the state is explored. The role of Westminster in providing a democratic element is examined, as well as the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats.

A2

Paper Three

You will study The Politics of the USA or Political Ideology (Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism and Fascism).

Paper Four

You will study The Government of the USA or Political Issues in the UK (Education, Environment, Economy and Equality).

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including grade C in English Language.

Which courses go well with this?

A broadening subject, so combines well with a wide range of courses. Another Social Science subject e.g. Economics, Law, History, Sociology can be useful both for content and approach.

Progression:

Students who have studied Politics have moved on to study first degrees in a variety of Social Sciences and Humanities subjects. Students have used the study of Politics to enter professions in Business, the Public Sector, Law and Pressure Groups.