Government & Politics
Politics will be a new subject to the majority of students and therefore it is an opportunity to do something fresh and new. Studying Politics will enable you to understand how the political system works at local, national and European levels. Topics covered in the study of politics include electoral systems, parties, pressure groups, and the American political system.
It is particularly important that you have an enquiring mind, a desire to learn about how the political system works and its impact on you, the citizen. You will be encouraged to develop your skills in critical and analytical thinking, note making, research, oral and presentation skills, all of which will be essential to you whether you decide to go into Higher Education or into a career after A levels.
We aim to offer a visit to Parliament at the end of Year 12, where you will have a tour of the Palace of Westminster and attend the Commons and/or Lords for Question Time. In recent years students have visited Washington DC and we are always looking at new opportunities for visits home and abroad.
The department also supports opportunities such as the Debating Society, the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition and university essay writing competitions.
Politics is particularly useful if you are considering a career in law, business, retail management, the media or civil service. However the knowledge and skills which the study of Politics will give you will be welcomed by any employer.
Political Participation & Core Political Ideas – Exam Paper – 33.3% of marks
UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas – Exam Paper – 33.3% of marks
Government & Politics of the USA- Exam Paper – 33.3% of marks
Summary
Political Participation
Democracy and Participation; Political Parties; Electoral Systems; Voting behaviour and the Media.
Core Political Ideas
Conservatism; Liberalism; Socialism.
UK Government
The Constitution; Parliament; Prime Minister and Executive; Relations between the branches.
Non-Core Political Ideas
Nationalism.
Government and Politics of the USA
The Constitution and Federalism; US Congress; The Presidency; The Supreme Court and Civil Rights; Democracy and Participation; Comparative Theories.
In order to prepare you for entry on this course, you need to have an understanding of current affairs.
• Read a quality newspaper, watch the news, and if possible watch the recent documentary ‘Inside the Commons’.
• Ensure you are familiar with the results of the 2015 and 2017 and 2019 General Elections.
• An awareness of the key policies of the main parties would be an advantage.
Study Level
A Level
Exam Board
Edexcel
Contact Details
Mr P Allanach
Head of Department
allanach_p@sjd.ac.uk
