Lower 6th Form Curriculum

AS Government and Politics

Syllabus Followed:	Edexcel - 8GP01
Examinations:	AS modules - 2 Examinations: 1 hr 20 mins each A2 modules - 2 Examinations: 1 hr 30 mins each
Entry Requirements:	Grade B in GCSE 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 US 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 two modules:

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.

The A Level course comprises two modules:

Unit 4: Representative Processes in the USA. This module covers the US electoral system, the Political Parties. Pressure Groups and Racial and Ethnic Politics
Unit 5: Governing the USA. This module examines the institutional framework of US government and considers the relationships between its legislative, executive and judicial processes and the state of US federalism.

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