GCE A Level Government And Politics

Programme Features:

Develop an interest in and an understanding of the systems of government and the political issues of Britain and America Encourages a knowledge of contemporary affairs Taught in modern, well equipped classrooms Develops transferable skills and critical thought

Programme Content:

AS Level:

Unit 1 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 referendums are crucial topics for analysis. The principal institutions through which people's participation is achieved: political parties and pressure groups, are explored in terms of communicating views, shaping people's political ideas and the acquisition of resources which are likely to make them more powerful within the wider political system.

UK Government and Politics Unit 1: Representation of the People - Voting Behaviour and Democracy, Elections, UK Political Parties, Pressure and Protest Groups

This unit focuses on the process of governing Wales and 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 individual rights and the power of the state is explored. The role of democratic elements in government is examined as well as the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The direction which government takes is analysed at the very apex of power in arrangements within executives. Academic controversies are assessed interms of the focus on the key issue of how Britain is governed.

UK Government and Politics Unit 2: Governing the UK - The British Constitution, Parliament, The Executive (Prime Minister and First Minister), Multi-level Governance.

A Level:

At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connectionsbetween the areas studied. In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

USA Government and Politics Unit 3: Representation in the USA. This module focuses on US Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Elections and Voting Behaviour

USA Government and Politics Unit 4 – Governing the USA. This last module focuses on the US Supreme Court, the Constitution, the Presidency and Congress.