Governments and Politics
Is the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government likely to last the full five years? Will the government succeed in restoring economic stability? How is the phone-hacking scandal likely to impact on the relationship between politicians and the media? If you take an interest in these sorts of questions, then this course will certainly be of interest to you. Government and Politics is an ever-changing field of study which explores the ‘here and now’ of decision making in the UK and beyond.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
In the AS part of the course you will consider important concepts such as democracy, power and influence. You will learn how Parliament works, and why some are now calling for big changes to the system. As the coalition government begins to implement key policies, you will explore what politicians like David Cameron and Nick Clegg are proposing and why. You will discuss what the Labour Party stand for, why it lost the 2010 general election and how it might need to adapt in the months and years ahead.
Topical questions tackled by current AS students include:
· is it now time to reform the House of Lords once and for all?
· how does a British Prime Minister compare to an American President?
· is the UK really as democratic as it seems?
In the A2 part of the course, you will focus on the political issues that are hotly debated in the news. These include issues such as the environment, the education and health systems, the workings of the European Union and the prospect of the EU getting even bigger. You will look at background material on each policy issue since 1979, and you will be expected to update your knowledge on developments as they arise in the news. This requires the regular reading/viewing of news websites, newspapers and TV/radio news programmes.
Topical questions tackled by current A2 students include:
· how effectively is the government dealing with the budget deficit?
· should Greece leave the Eurozone?
· has the Conservative Party 'gone soft' when it comes to law and order?
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
A mixture of teaching methods is used in all lessons, including class and group discussions, debates, TV viewing, individual and group assignments and up-to-date research tasks. The contemporary nature of politics means that the textbook is of limited value; you will be expected to research a good deal of material independently via the internet or newspapers. You will be invited to attend political conferences and debates, as well as visit the Houses of Parliament in London and the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The two AS units are:
· People and Politics - this examines the central ideas of power, democracy, elections, pressure groups and political parties
· Governing the UK - this examines how the UK government operates, and includes topics such as the Prime Minister, Cabinet, Constitution and Parliament
The two A2 units are:
· UK Political Issues - this examines the issues that are currently shaping debate in the UK such as economic, education, environmental and law and order policy
· European Union Political Issues - this examines the British relationship with the European Union, as well as the issues that are currently shaping debate across Europe
The course is assessed entirely by external examination.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in English Language. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have at least a grade B in GCSE English Language.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Students with AS or A level Government and Politics develop a wide range of transferable skills throughout the course, for example collecting and analysing information, skills of arguing and evaluation as well as communication and writing skills. These skills are highly valued by employers as well as university admissions tutors. The subject is of particular interest for those who might be planning a career in areas such as law, media, civil service or public relations.
You should have at least a grade C in English Language. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have at least a grade B in GCSE English Language.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Students with AS or A level Government and Politics develop a wide range of transferable skills throughout the course, for example collecting and analysing information, skills of arguing and evaluation as well as communication and writing skills. These skills are highly valued by employers as well as university admissions tutors. The subject is of particular interest for those who might be planning a career in areas such as law, media, civil service or public relations.
View the Government and Politics page on the Edexcel Website.
