On this course, you will study the workings of government and political culture in the United Kingdom and the United States. You will situate these core topics in the wider global context. You will also study political ideas such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism and nationalism. The course analyses current events, issues, controversies and scandals in conjunction with political theory and historical developments. Every day, Downing Street and the White House, Parliament and Congress, Fleet Street and Wall Street will raise important issues for debate. Course Content: Unit 1: Government and Politics of the UK The nature and sources of the British Constitution The structure and role of Parliament The Prime Minister and Cabinet The judiciary Devolution Democracy and participation Elections and referendums Political parties Pressure groups The European Union Unit 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics • The legislative branch of government: Congress • The executive branch of government: President • The judicial branch of government • The electoral process and direct democracy • Political parties • Pressure groups • Civil rights Students will use the above theoretical approaches to analyse key similarities and differences between the USA and UK, and evaluate the extent to which they explain these similarities and differences. Unit 3: Ideologies • Liberalism • Conservatism • Socialism • Nationalism