Lower 6th Form Curriculum

Government and Politics

Syllabus Followed: Edexcel
Entry Requirements: Grade B in History

Government and Politics should appeal to anyone who is interested in the structures of authority and power within British society and the USA. The course provides students with a clear understanding of the theories, motives and values that underpin political processes and governmental decision-making. It also examines the role of key institutions in the UK and the USA exploring how they resolve conflicts and allocate limited resources.

In the course you will learn to analyse rhetoric, to weigh evidence against opinion and to understand how peoples’ lives as citizens are affected by political activity. You will develop a critical awareness of political events and issues and an empathetic understanding of the main political viewpoints.

Through essay writing and documentary analysis you will develop the skills required to argue a case with relevance and coherence: valuable assets in a wide range of professional managerial and business fields. In short, this course is both an academic discipline and a preparation for effective participation in society.

The AS course comprises three units

Unit 1: People and Politics

This unit introduces students to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation by examining Parties, Pressure Groups and the Electoral System in the UK.

Unit 2: Governing the UK

This unit examines the functioning of the constitution, the role and significance of Parliament, the power of the executive and the effectiveness of the courts in protecting civil liberties.

Unit 3: The Changing UK System

This unit explores the arguments for reform of the constitution and the electoral system and considers whether devolution and membership of the EU are a threat to our constitution.

The A2 Level course (Upper Sixth) also comprises three units

Unit 4: Representation in the USA

This unit examines elections, voting behaviour and the political parties. It also analyses the influence of pressure groups and the importance of racial and ethnic politics in the USA.

Unit 5: Governing the USA

This unit examines the institutional framework of US government and considers the interrelationships between the Supreme Court, Congress and the Presidency. It also considers the health of US federalism.

Unit 6:

This unit compares and contrasts the UK and US political systems, drawing together knowledge and understanding developed in the AS and in units 4 and 5.

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