Government Politics
| What is this course about? |
This course aims to develop a critical understanding of government and politics in Britain and America.
For AS level you will study British government and politics including the electoral system, political parties, pressure groups, parliament, the prime minister and cabinet and Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
At A2 you will focus on the American political system including the Constitution, presidential elections, political parties, Congress, the presidency and the Supreme Court and civil rights. You will also be expected to use your understanding of British and American politics to discuss more general political questions. |
What topics will I study?
As Units
(First year work)
| Unit 1: Elections, Electoral Systems and Voting Behavior in the UK |
Elections -including parliamentary, regional and European elections - and referendums; criticisms of the current system and alternatives to it; voting behaviour. |
| Unit 2: Politics of the UK |
| Elections -including parliamentary, regional and European elections - and referendums; criticisms of the current system and alternatives to it; voting behaviour. |
| Unit 3: Government of the UK |
| The constitution; parliament; prime minister and cabinet; the judiciary; the UK and the European Union. |
A2 Units
(second year for those who decide to continue)
| Unit 4: US Government and Politics |
Presidential elections; parties; pressure groups; the Constitution; Congress; the presidency; the Supreme Court. |
| Unit 5: Research Essay |
| A 2,500 word piece of coursework on a topic of your choice and agreed with your teacher. |
| Unit 6: Government and Politics |
| Elections; parties and pressure groups; civil rights and liberties; constitutions; legislatures; executives; judiciaries. |
| How will my work be assessed? |
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At the end of the first year you will take three exams based upon the three AS units you have studied. All the exams involve answers to structured questions.
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In the second year you will take another two exams based upon the A2 units you have studied.
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These exams will consist of essays. You will also write a 2,500 word research essay.
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It is possible to re-sit units. If you do this, the higher grade always counts.
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| Frequently asked questions |
How will I be taught?
A range of teaching styles is used throughout the course: formal lessons are combined with discussion, case studies and videos, all pitched at a level appropriate to the age and experience of the students. The basic notes for the course are all printed so that dictation is rare. Students are provided with one-to-one support for the coursework.
What do people do with A level Government and Politics?
Government and Politics is a recognised as an academic subject and is an excellent preparation for higher education in related fields. It is also an extremely useful background for any career where an appreciation of current affairs is important, for example in the media and the public services. Past students can be found broadcasting on radio and television, running large commercial companies, cartooning, working as barristers and solicitors and one is even a professor of politics at the University of St Andrews. None are MPs although several have been local councillors.
Are there any special entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements for Level 3 courses. No previous knowledge of politics is assumed, indeed most students know very little about the subject before they start the course. What is required is a willingness to learn and a sense of humour. An interest in current affairs and the ability to write reasonably fluently are also important.
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| AS/A Level Courses |
A Level is split into two parts : AS and A2
 AS is the first year of the A level course and the standard expected is between GCSE (grades A* - C) and an A2 course.
A2 is taken in the second year and builds upon AS level work.
Together AS and A2 make up a full A level: AS + A2 = A level.
AS and A2 courses are usually made up of three units each. AS units are taken during the first year of the course and A2 units in the second year. Unit examinations can be taken in January and in June but subjects vary in when exams are taken. Often one unit takes the form of coursework. It is possible to re-sit AS and A2 units, the best marks count towards the final AS or A level grade.
AS and A level qualifications are graded A – E (pass) and U (fail).
AS and A2 also provide opportunities to develop key skills
You may choose to take an AS course and then continue to the full A level or to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification. Progression from AS to A2 is dependant upon a pass at AS and a recommendation from your subject tutor that you have developed the necessary skills for the A2 course. |
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