Government and Politics

Course summary

In Year 1 you will gain an understanding of how the UK political system works, and how it is linked to contemporary concerns and events as well as the political theory that underpins decisions. This will be delivered through three areas: 1. UK Politics – Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Democracy, Voting. 2. UK Government – Constitution, Executive Power, Judiciary, Parliament. 3. Core Political Theories – Conservativism, Liberalism, Socialism, Anarchism, Feminism. A range of approaches will be used including formal teaching, discussion, debate, research and presentations, individual and group work and investigation. Use will be made of the internet, literature and contemporary media. Topical news items are regularly used and are encouraged to be debated. The study of government and politics is well respected and can lead to a variety of careers within areas such as Broadcasting, Management, Public Services, Marketing, Publishing, Public Policy, Policy Research, interest groups, local government and the voluntary sector, as well as within politics itself. It can be used with other AS / A2 subjects for entry on to degree or college courses.