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Course description

This new qualification will help students to develop knowledge and understanding of the role politics plays in relation to current local, national, and global issues, as well as studying key thinkers and political ideas. The course reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world. Students will study UK politics and government to give them a core knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students will then develop this knowledge and understanding by studying four political ideas. They will also study the government and politics of the USA.

 

Component 1 – UK Politics

Political Participation

 

• The development of democracy and participation in UK
• The role and scope development of UK political parties
• The operation of the various electoral systems used across the UK
• The way in which groups and individuals are influenced to vote

 

Core Political Ideas

 This section allows students to explore the three traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism.

 

Component 2 – UK Government

UK Government

 

• The nature, sources and reform of the British constitution
• The structure, role and powers of parliament
• The power of the Prime Minister and executive
• The relationships between the three branches of government.

 

Optional Political Idea

 This section allows students to explore the core ideas, principles, effects, divisions and key thinkers of the political idea of Anarchism.

 

Component 3 – Comparative Politics

USA

• The US Constitution and the arguments surrounding this guiding document of US democracy.
• The power of the key institutions of government in the USA
• The extent to which ‘liberty and justice has been achieved for all
• The nature of democracy in the USA

 

Assessment Overview

Each component is assessed with one two hour examination worth 33% of the qualification.

 

Career Possibilities

Many students who have taken the A Level in Government and Politics go on to study Politics at university. From there you might become a researcher, join local or national government or even start on the path to become a future Prime Minister! But there are other job options too. If you fancy a career in journalism or the media, this course is very useful. Students also go on to become teachers or work in the legal profession.

 

GCSE Grade Profile

Students who study Politics must achieve 5 GCSE grades from 9 – 4 in a range of subjects, including a grade 5 in English and a grade 5 in another Humanities subject.

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Click here to access a Government and Politics bridging task.