Government and Politics

Subject Overview

Politics exists because people disagree. They disagree about how they should live (Moral Questions), about who should get what (Resource Questions), and about who should make decisions (Power Questions).

Students will be expected to understand how the British political system works, its origins and how it operates. In the second year of the course we focus on American Politics.

Politics is the most basic and necessary of social activities—without orderly existence society would degenerate into a civil war of each against all. Here is your opportunity to become an informed citizen.

Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)

We will be following the Edexcel Government & Politics syllabus.

The two modules to be covered for the AS Level are:

AS Level

Module 1 : People and Politics

This module requires us to consider the nature of democracy in the UK, and the ways in which it can be enhanced or strengthened. We examine the nature and role of political parties, and focus on the links between elections and democracy. Finally, we will consider the extent to which pressure groups promote democracy.

Module 2 : Governing the UK

Here we will focus on the main institutions of the UK government, the Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and the Judiciary.

A Level

Module 3 : Representative Processes in the USA

A highly relevant and exciting topic in the subject. What contribution can we as economists make to the whole issue of transport and the need to reduce pollution and congestion.

Module 4 : Governing the USA

To begin with, we will examine the wider economic performance of the global economy. Also, we will study the plight of developing countries, the problems they face and how they might overcome them. We will need to develop an overview of the past, present and possible future of european economies, as the EU continues to expand. What about the might of the USA, and even China!

Activities and Trips

A trip to Paris in Year 13. If possible, a trip to the House of Commons in Year 12.

Expected Costs

We strongly recommend that students subscribe to the “Politics Review” magazine – perfectly tailored to help AS/A Level students maximise their grades (£12 p.a.). In addition, it is vital for students to have a good revision guide (£8), and an alternative textbook (£18).

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

Almost every student who has studied Politics has asked the question “Why isn’t everyone in Year 12 studying Politics ?” Whatever pathway you choose – sciences/arts/humanities – you cannot escape the fact that later in life you will have the right to vote and have a say in how your country is run – do it from a position of knowledge rather than ignorance. This subject goes extremely well with History, English, Sociology, Economics and the Sciences.

Schemes of Work

• Edexecl

Past Papers

• Edexcel

Courses References

Books

• Dunleavy P et al — Developments in British Politics 8 (Palgrave Macmillan, 2006)
• Grant M — AS Level Government and Politics (Nelson Thornes, 2005)
• Grant W – Pressure Groups and British Politics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2000)
• Hennessy P — The Hidden Wiring: Unearthing the British Constitution (Orion, 1996)
• Heywood A — Essentials of UK Politics: An Introduction (Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)
• Heywood A — Key Concepts in Politics: An Introduction (Palgrave Macmillan, 2000)
• Jones B (editor) et al — Politics UK, 6th Edition (Longman, 2006)
• Jones B and Kavanagh D (editors) — British Politics Today, 6th Edition (ManchesteUniversity Press, 2003)
• Kingdom J — Government and Politics in Britain, 3rd Edition (Polity Press, 2003
• Kingdom J — British Politics: A Global Perspective (Polity Press, 2008)
• Leach R, Coxall B and Robin L — British Politics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2006)
• McNaughton N — Success in AS Politics for Edexcel (Hodder Arnold, 2006)
• Roberts D — British Politics in Focus (Causeway Press, 2004)
• Stoker G — Why Politics Matters: Making Democracy Work (Palgrave Macmillan, 2006

US Politics

• Ashbee E — American Society Today (Manchester University Press, 2002)
• Ashbee E and Ashford N — US Politics Today, 2nd Edition (Manchester University Press, 2004)
• Ashbee E — Representation in the USA (Resource Pack) (Hodder Arnold H&S, 2003)
• Ashbee E — Governing the USA (Teacher Resource Pack) (Hodder Arnold H&S, 2003)
• Bennett A J — A2 US and Comparative Government and Politics (Philip Allan, 2005)
• McKay D — American Politics and Society, 6th Edition (Blackwell, 2005)
• McKeever R, Zvesper J and Maidment R — Politics USA, 2nd Edition (Longman, 2005)
• Peele G et al — Developments in American Politics 5 (Palgrave Macmillan, 2006)
• Storey W — US Government and Politics (Edinburgh University Press, 2007)

Useful Links

• Tutor2u
• House of Parliment

Multimedia links

• Tutor2u - Politics

What can I do after I’ve completed the course?

Taking the Edexcel Advanced GCE in Government and Politics will give you adaptable skills which will enable you to understand and assess ideas and arguments, and to construct and communicate clear answers to problems based on well-validated evidence.

With a GCE in Government and Politics, you can progress to higher education courses such as honours degrees in politics, international politics/relations and political science as well as to degrees in related subjects such as history, geography, economics and social policy. You will also be able to progress to vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher National Certificates/Diplomas in subjects such as Public Services, Business or Media (Journalism).

The study of politics can lead to a variety of careers within areas such as journalism and broadcasting, management, publishing, local government, public policy and policy research, interest groups, local government and the voluntary sector, as well as within politics itself. Next steps!

To find out more, discuss with Mr Kiddy.