Politics

Why take Politics?

n The obvious answer is why not, particularly for students who have got an interest in what is going on around them and in decisions that are made locally, nationally and sometimes internationally; n If students want to understand how government works, how political parties function and how law is created, then Politics is ideal; n Upon reaching the age of 18, students will be eligible to vote. Students will find it useful to know why they are voting and what they are voting for; n For students who enjoy a good argument with friends or parents, it’s always best to argue from an informed perspective: politics gives the means; n There are no specific course requirements to study Politics at A Level, although good communication skills and an analytical approach are certainly helpful; n What is essential is an interest in current affairs, as students will be required to keep up to date with the television, printed and electronic media.

How does Politics tie in with other A Levels?

n The most obvious tie-in is with History. Politics will help to inform and support students’ understanding of what is happened in the past, understand motivation and help form arguments. n Economics and Business studies are given a context with Politics. Government decisions affect the business community, dictate interest rates and levels of taxation. n Less obviously, Religious Studies and the sciences. Politics gives an ethical background to these studies and once again, informs decision-making at the highest level.

What can you do with Politics?

n Students do not have to progress to a political career, but to be Prime Minister, it helps! n Politics, like History, is a highly respected A Level that both universities and employers will be impressed by, whether students are looking for a career in the business sector, law, human resources, even the

Armed Services, it is those analytical skills and that independence of thought that really impress.

Subject content

The course is composed of 3 equally waited units. It is 100% examination with no coursework:

Component 1 (33 1/3 % of total)

n Exam: 2 hours

Content:

n Political Participation – students will study: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

n Core Political Ideas – students will study: conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Component 2 (33 1/3 % of total)

n Exam: 2 hours

Content:

n UK Government – students will study: the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

n Optional Political Ideas – students will study: one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Component 3 (33 1/3 % of total)

n Exam: 2 hours

Content:

n Politics of the USA – students will study: The US Constitution and federalism, US congress,

US presidency, US Supreme

Court, democracy and participation, civil rights.