AS/A2 Government and Politics

AS/A2 Government and Politics
The course is designed to enable you to:
· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant institutions, processes, political concepts, theories and debates
· 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.
What you will do on the course:
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.
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.
The Politics of the USA or Ideologies study Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism, Fascism or Politics and Power
The Government of the USA or Political Issues study Ideologies in Action or Perspectives on Modern Politics
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.