Government and Politics A-Level
Why study Government & Politics?
Edexcel’s new qualifications will help students to develop knowledge and understanding of the role politics plays in relation to current local, national, and global issues, as well as studying key thinkers and political ideas. Each topic in our specification is fully detailed, providing you with the full range of breadth and depth to teach.
Course Content
First Year Content
In the first year candidates will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the political system of the UK.
The specification concentrates on People, Politics and Participation as well as Governing Modern Britain.
Units covered—
People, Politics and Participation.
- The nature of participation in the political process.
- Participation through the ballot box.
- Electoral systems.
- Political Parties.
Governing Modern Britain.
- British Constitution.
- Role of Parliament.
- Policy making and implementation.
Second Year Content
This is a much more conceptual based year where we study ideologies as well as a ‘comparison’ unit where we look at the USA Political system and compare it to the UK.
The A2 specification focuses on understanding the workings of ideologies as well as the comparison between the USA and UK political system.
Units covered—
US Government & Politics
- Electoral process and direct democracy.
- Political Parties
- Voting Behaviour
- The US Constitution
- US Congress
- The Executive
- The Supreme Court
Political Ideologies
- Liberalism
- Socialism
- Conservatism
- Nationalism
Assessment
A Level Government and Politics is assessed using 3 examinations.
Students will be assessed on the knowledge they have acquired over the two year course.
Future careers linked to this subject:
- Commercial, Industrial and Public sector jobs
- Local and National Government
- Journalism or the Media
- Research, Analysis and Development
- Education and Teaching
- Legal sector and the Judiciary
Entry Requirements
Achieve a Grade 6 or above in GCSE History and/or 6 in GCSE English
Examination Board
Edexcel
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