Government And Politics AS Level

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS AS Level (Year One)

• Level 3 course
• One year (AS) or two years (A level)
• Progression higher education and employment
• Exam board AQA
• 5 periods a week
• This course is offered within the Society, Health & Professional Studies Division

Course outline
GOV1 People, Politics and Participation
This involves looking at the ways in which people participate in politics: voting in elections, joining a political party or pressure group and protesting.
Issues explored include: Does our electoral system work? Is there a better system? Why do people vote the way they do? Why are fewer people voting? What do the parties stand for? How have they changed over the years? Do grassroots members have any real power? How can pressure groups have influence? Is protest a legitimate political action in a democracy?

GOV2 Governing Modern Britain
This involves looking at how the UK Government is organised: the Constitution, Parliament, the Core Executive and Multi-level Governance.
Issues explored include: Does the UK need a written constitution? Do our civil liberties need better protection? Who do MPs really represent? Should the House of Lords be abolished? Is the PM a dictator? Does the EU matter? Should local councils be given more powers? What are civil servants and do they control their ministers?

Teaching styles
Chalk and talk, whole class discussion, comprehension activities, group activities, independent research, presentations, role play and media based lessons.

Assessment
GOV1 and GOV2
25% each (90 minute exam)
GOV3 and GOV4
25% each (2 hour exam)

Subject combinations
History, Sociology, Citizenship and Law.

Progression
If enjoyed then can be continued at university, with possibilities to combine with other subjects. The knowledge gained and skills developed are useful for a range of careers but specifically the course can lead to campaigning, working in local government, civil service, political activism, teaching and lecturing, media based careers.

Resources and facilities
A classroom! A well qualified teacher! Use of laptops, recent TV and film of relevance.
A well-stocked section in the Learning Resource Centre.

Key features
Trip to Parliament, De Montfort Universitys Congress-to-Campus event, being politically active through Extended Studies, enthusiastic staff to talk with and Soapbox.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS A2 Level (Year Two)

Course outline
GOV3 Politics of the USA
Is there any difference between the Republicans and Democrats? Is America the best democracy money can buy? How did Bush win in 2004? What are initiatives and should the UK use them?

GOV4 US Government
Why did the Founding Fathers set out the constitution as they did? How well are civil liberties protected? How powerful is the president? What is the relationship between Congress and the president? Is the Supreme Court too powerful? Is the judiciary independent from political interference.
US and UK systems are compared to decide which is the superior system.