Politics

Politics

Why choose Politics? 

Politics because it affects every aspect of our daily lives. As a young adult and a responsible citizen, the study of politics will equip you with an understanding of the most important institutions, processes and centres of power in the UK and the USA. You will it is important for people to understand how to hold authority to account and challenge it when necessary. It is also important because people should be able to express their opinions and beliefs in an evidence-based way and challenge others who hold beliefs to the contrary.  

What are the aims of the course? 

Politics A Level will enable you to: 

• develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom (UK) and globally 
• develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes 
• develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics 
• develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups 
• develop the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements 
• develop an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics. 

What skills do you need? 

 To be successful in this subject, you need:

• the capacity to engage critically with political concepts & ideas 
• an active interest in UK and US politics that will allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of political institutions and processes 
• a commitment to reading and watching news stories on a daily basis 
• a determination to improve the quality of your written English 
• a readiness to contribute actively to every lesson. 

GCSE requirements 

Grade 7 or above in English Literature or Language or History 

Course Content 

This course will introduce you to the major political institutions of the United Kingdom and the United States. You will find out what power political institutions hold and what power citizens have over them. We will examine whether these institutions function efficiently and look at the case for making changes to our system of government. 

Our studies also focus on the power of ideology and the system of government in the United States and how it compares to our own system of government here in Britain. The study of politics will help you gain an understanding of the key political philosophies that have influenced British, American and International politics. You will be equipped with the skills and concepts needed to make mature judgements about a wide range of current affairs. The study of Politics is a traditional step towards a career in journalism or broadcasting, law, school or university teaching, and local or national politics. It will give you the opportunity to practise and acquire a wealth of valuable skills which are held in high demand and esteem in many fields of employment. 

A level Component 01 – UK Politics. 

Topics include democracy, participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour, the media and core political ideas such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism. 

A level Component 02 – UK Government. 

Topics include the UK constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive as well as relationships between the different branches of government. We also choose to focus on one political ideology in this section from a choice of anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism or nationalism. 

A level Component 03 - Comparative Politics. 

Students will study the politics of the USA, including the US Constitution and federalism, US congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court, democracy, participation and civil rights.

Specification: Edexcel Politics 

Higher education and career opportunities 

Higher education opportunities: 

A Level Politics provides a firm foundation for undergraduate studies in Politics, International Relations, Law and History. 

Possible career opportunities: 

The study of politics develops the critical faculties required in many fields of employment. Knowledge and understanding of political institutions, concepts and processes, can lead to an interest in law, local and national politics, teaching, and working in political advocacy on behalf of interest groups and charities. 

Related activities 

Visits to 

• the House of Common 
• the UK Supreme Court