Politics

Course summary

The specification covers the main features of the British system of government which includes the powers and effectiveness of Parliament, the role of the Supreme Court and the ability of the Prime Minister to deliver on manifesto promises. Also covered is the way in which political participation has changed, including how the right to vote has changed over time and the different electoral systems in the UK. Two significant election campaigns will be analysed and the reasons for the outcomes will be discussed. A new topic of voter behaviour has been introduced which investigates the motives that people have and the links between class, gender, age and political preferences. The key thinkers and ideas of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism will be studied in detail. The Comparative Politics option that we will study in depth will be The Government and Politics of the USA. The course takes a rigorous look at American institutions and processes. Students will be expected to compare and contrast the US system with that of the UK. For example, both countries now have a Supreme Court, but the US system gives judges greater powers. The powers of the US President will be assessed and contrasted with those of the UK Prime Minister. The course has lots of new content and is academically rigorous with no coursework. Students taking this option should enjoy reading, discussing, presenting, debating and extended writing. The specification is clear about the need for coherent arguments that are clearly expressed and supported with well-selected evidence.