Government and Politics

Course summary

In year 1 we study British Politics; examining the nature of democracy, law making and the meaning and sources of “Power”. What is power and how do people get it, how do they keep it, what entitles them to it? Why don’t people rebel against dictatorships; when they do, why? How do politicians get away with it?!! What is it they get away with?! We examine the structure of Parliament and the process of law making; how pressure groups operate and their importance, the electoral systems used in the UK and how fair they are and what MPs do for their £80k a year. Students taking Government and Politics will be doing so with the possibility of a new Prime Minister, a sudden General election and even a change of government on the horizon. We look in detail at specific ideologies; what do Marxists really believe? How do Conservatives differ from Liberals? You also get to choose a specialist topic, the class will decide (democratically) between Feminism, Nationalism, or Ecologism. American Politics is incredibly interesting even without Donald Trump and allows you to view your own opinions through the lens of a completely different system. American Politics is full of incredible stories, unbelievable personalities, bizarre practices, grotesque unfairness, inspiring heroism and shocking injustices. It’s what determines the behaviour of the Superpower; gripping stuff.