Politics

What specification is proposed?

Edexcel A-level Politics.

What will I be covering in the course?

UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of types of political participation in the UK, with reference to the current system of representative democracy in the UK and its history, as well as the role of pressure groups, the media and political parties in determining the outcome of elections. As part of your study of Politics, you are required to know and understand various political ideologies, and their core ideas and principles, as well as their proponents. These include Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism. (Studied during year 12) – The Core Political Ideas will be studied at the start of year 13.

UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas

This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of government in the UK, its institutions, their roles, powers and interrelationships with specific reference to the Executive, Legislative and Judicial functions of the UK system of governance. As well as this, you will be expected to study a further political ideology, including its core ideas and principles. In this case, this will be Feminism – Feminism will be studied at the start of year 13.

Comparative Politics: Government and Politics of the USA

The politics of the USA, including the electoral process, political parties, voting behaviour and pressure groups. Furthermore, the government of the USA, including the US constitution and the effectiveness of a separation of powers. There is a requirement for synoptic comparison to the UK system of government and politics and it is required that students make comparisons with themes studied in year 12. (Studied during year 13)

How will I be assessed? A Level

Unit 1 – UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

2 hour written examination worth 84 marks. Three essay questions, one essay question based on an extract, one essay on Politics and a final essay question on Core Political Ideas.

Unit 2 – UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas

2 hour written examination worth 84 marks. Three essay questions, one essay question based on an extract, one essay on Government and a final essay question on Non-Core Political Ideas.

Unit 3 – Comparative Politics: Government and Politics of the USA

2 hour written examination worth 84 marks. Two short answer questions, followed by two essay questions.

What can I do with this subject?

A Government and Politics A level is exceedingly well thought of and is recognised by all universities. Politics can lead to all kinds of different careers including law, the media, banking, advertising, journalism, social work, teaching and many other professions. It combines well with other subjects including economics, sociology, history and philosophy to name but a few.