Government and Politics: A Level

AS Level (Year one)

Course outline
GOV1: People, Politics and Participation
This involves looking at the ways in which people participate in politics: voting in elections, joining a political party or pressure group and protesting.
Issues explored include: Does our electoral system work? Is there a better system? Why do people vote the way they do? Why are fewer people voting? What do the parties stand for? How have they changed over the years? Do grassroots members have any real power? How can pressure groups have influence? Is protest a legitimate political action in a democracy?

GOV2: Governing Modern Britain
This involves looking at how the UK Government is organised: the Constitution, Parliament, the Core Executive and Multi-level Governance.
Issues explored include: Does the UK need a written constitution? Do our civil liberties need better protection? Who do MPs really represent? Should the House of Lords be abolished? Is the PM a dictator? Does the EU matter? Should local councils be given more powers? What are civil servants and do they control their ministers?

Teaching styles
Lecturing and explaining, whole class discussion, comprehension activities, group activities, independent research, presentations, role play and media based lessons.

Assessment
GOV1 and GOV2
25% each (90 minute exam)
GOV3 and GOV4
25% each (2 hour exam)

Common subject combinations
History, Sociology, Citizenship and Law.

Progression
Politics can be studied at University on its own or in conjunction with other subjects. The knowledge gained and skills developed are useful for a range of careers but specifically the course can lead to – campaigning, working in local and national government, civil service, political activism, teaching and lecturing, media based careers.

Resources and facilities
An attractive and well resourced classroom! A well qualified teacher! Access to a laptop, recent, relevant TV and film coverage.
A well-stocked section in the Learning Resource Centre.

Key features
A trip to Parliament is part of the course, De Montfort University’s Congress-to-Campus event, being politically active through Extended Studies, enthusiastic staff who discuss issues and explain concepts.

Provisional entry requirements
As part of an A Level programme a minimum of 5 grade A-Cs at GCSE, or equivalent, including English Language.
An interest in the news and current affairs is essential.

A2 Level (Year two)

Course outline
GOV3A: Politics of the USA
What do the Democrat and Republican parties stand for? How can a country as diverse as the US have a two party system? Do interest groups enhance democracy or simply enhance the power of the wealthy? Is America ‘the best democracy money can buy’? Why did Obama win in 2008? Why do midterm elections usually weaken the President? What are initiatives and should the UK use them?

GOV4A: Government of the USA
Why did the Founding Fathers set out the constitution as they did? How well does the separation of powers work? How powerful is Congress and what is their relationship with the President? Is the president imperial or imperiled? Is the Supreme Court too powerful? Is the judiciary independent from political interference? Which country has the better system of government – USA or UK?

Summary

Level 3 course

One year (AS) or two years (A level)

Progression – Higher Education and employment

Exam board – AQA

4 periods a week