Politics

Traditionally, Politics A Level has gone hand in hand with History A Level, with the two subjects offering both clear overlap in terms of the technical skills and methods of thinking required to do well and, often, clear connections between the topics being studied.

That said, Politics stands as a respected subject in its own right and combines very effectively with a wide range of other subjects. On both sides of the Atlantic, politics in recent years has reached new levels of excitement, interest and relevance and it is hoped that this course, focusing as it does on both British and American politics, will appeal to anyone who has found themselves absorbed by the dramatic recent events in both countries. In addition, it is anticipated that the Political Ideas unit will appeal to those interested in the ideological underpinnings of the political battle.

This two-year linear course consists of three units with no coursework requirement:

The Government and Politics of the UK

• Parliament • The Prime Minister and Cabinet • The Judiciary • Devolution • Democracy and Elections • Political Parties • Pressure Groups • Britain and the European Union

The Government and Politics of the USA

• The US Constitution • The Congress • The President • The Judicial Branch • Elections and Political Parties • Pressure Groups • Civil Rights

Political Ideas

All candidates will make a study of liberalism, conservativism, socialism and one of multiculturalism, anarchism or feminism.