Government and Politics - AS/A2 Level

Government and Politics - AS/A2 Level
Exam Board: AQA NCS course code: AS-ASGOVAP/A2-A2GOVAP
Aim This course will appeal to any student who is interested in political and social issues, current affairs and how decisions affecting society are made.
Content During the course you will:
· Develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes
· Acquire knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom and how these may differ from those of other political systems
· Acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual
· Develop an interest in and engagement with contemporary politics.

Year 1 - AS level
Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation
· Participation and voting behaviour
· Electoral systems
· Political parties
· Pressure groups and protest movements.

Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain
· The British constitution
· Parliament
· The core executive
· Multi-level Governance.

Year 2 - A level
Unit 3:
The politics of the USA or ideologies or politics and power.

Unit 4:
The Government of the USA or political issues or perspectives on modern politics.

Progression/career opportunities
The successful completion of this course will allow students to progress onto a range of Higher Education programmes. Government and politics also provides a good background to many careers: politics, legal profession, social work, teaching, consumer affairs, trade union work and journalism.

Screening
Students will also be screened (in the College) and must achieve literacy and numeracy at the level appropriate to the course.