A LEVEL GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Exam Board

EDEXCEL

 

Overview

This course requires the study of British and American politics, in addition to a range of political ideologies.

Unit 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideas

Unit 2: UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas

Unit 3: Comparative Politics

 

Why Choose This?

Students with an A level in politics have progressed to degree programmes in areas such as politics (domestic and foreign), law, international relations, history, journalism, archaeology, American studies and education. As a ‘facilitating’ A level government and politics will be given high consideration when applying for any university course so long as you meet the course core requirements. For example, some politics students are now studying pharmacy and medicine.

 

By the end of your A level you will be able to analyse and evaluate political institutions, processes and behaviour, political arguments and explanations and have a deeper understanding of the relationship between institutions, processes, ideologies, concepts, behaviour and values.

 

Areas of Study & Assessment

Unit 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideas

Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media, liberalism, conservatism, socialism

 

Unit 2: UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas

Constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches, feminism

 

Unit 3: Comparative Politics

US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court & US civil rights, US democracy and participation, comparative theories

 

 

In Year 12 you will study US politics and UK politics.

In Year 13 you will study UK government and political ideologies.

 

You will be assessed by three, two hour examinations, one for each unit, each worth 33.3% of your final grade.

 

What Our Students Say

I would really recommend politics as an A level to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of current affairs and how and why our government functions the way it does. It is valued highly by universities and it can lead to a whole range of career options - not just a politician! You need to be a student who enjoys debating issues and considering issues from different points of view. I particularly like discussing controversial issues and exploring the range of opinions. I have become an expert in lots of different areas of politics, from how the government works to controversial social issues and it makes me feel more intelligent and informed outside of school. I really enjoy explaining to my parents and friends the stories that appear on the news. If you take an interest in current affairs, then researching contemporary examples of the topics covered in lessons comes naturally! My writing style has also really improved due to politics and I have learnt how to develop my arguments with more sophistication and a much better vocabulary.