Government & Politics – Edexcel – AS 8GPO1
Government & Politics – Edexcel – A2 9GPO1
Course Outline
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said: ‘Politics is the master science, that is, nothing less than the
activity through which people try to improve their lives and create the good society’.
Why study politics?
The short answer is that everyone should study politics; all members of society should have a better
understanding of the general rules under which they live. Studying Politics now is probably more exciting
than it has ever been. Widespread constitutional reforms have changed the political map. The
establishment of the Parliament in Scotland and the Assemblies in Wales, Northern Ireland and London
mean that power is shifting. Not only that; Britain’s membership of the EU and maybe later the Euro
mean, that debates over sovereignty and co-operation rage long and hard.
As the European Union grows both in size and power, people need to be able to understand and analyse
developments. The study of European politics also involves other European nations, comparing them
with British and other political systems. Few events symbolise democracy better than elections.
Elections can change the course of a country. Studying elections can be about predicting results, trying
to work out why people vote as they do, or even why they don’t vote at all. Party campaigns, what
policies are put forward, how parties select candidates and related questions are all important and
fascinating areas of study.
Course Details
AS - Government & Politics
Unit 1:
People & Politics
Written examination: 1 hour 20 minutes
Students will be required to answer two structured
questions from a choice of four.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
A2 - Government & Politics
Unit 3:
Key Themes in Political Analysis
This unit introduces students to key themes in
political analysis. Students will need to study one
of the following topics: - Topic A: UK Political
Issues. Written Examination : 1½ hour
(25% of total A Level)
Unit 2 :
Governing the UK
Written examination: 1 hour 20 minutes
Students will be required to answer one stimulusbased question from a choice of two. Students will
then be required to answer one extended question
from a choice of two.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
Unit 4:
Extended Themes in Political Analysis
This unit extends students’ understanding of key
themes in political analysis. Students will need to
study one of the following topics.
Topic A: EU Political Issues. Assessment : Written
examination : 1½ hours
(25% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
See above.
Course requirement and progression
To follow the Politics course you would be expected to meet the general requirements for AS Level
courses. In addition, as Politics requires higher level writing skills a Grade B or higher at English
Language is required.
Especially worthwhile combinations include: Economics, History, Sociology, Psychology and Media.