GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
What does the course involve?
AS outline
At AS, candidates will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the political system of the UK.
The specification concentrates on both how the government of Modern Britain operates, and how
people are affected by it. Lessons will be focused on current issues in British politics and students will
be expected to have an up to date understanding of the day to day events at Westminster and beyond,
so as to analyse them in class.
Unit 1 (GOVP1): People, Politics and Participation
Unit 2 (GOVP2): Governing Modern Britain.
A2 outline
At A2, the focus changes to the politics and government of the USA. We shall be looking at both the
structure and day to day running of the US legislative system, from the President, to Congress and the
different levels of judiciary. Beyond this we will explore the effect of government upon the people of
America, and the various pressures put upon the legislature from groups such as the burgeoning ‘TeaParty’ movement.
Unit 3: The Politics of the USA (GOV3A)
Unit 4: The Government of the USA (GOV4A)
What qualifications do I need?
Standard Sixth Form entry requirement.
Assessment
AS examinations
Unit 1
50% of AS, 25 % of A Level
1 hour 30 minute written exam
Unit 2
50% of AS, 25 % of A Level
1 hour 30 minute written exam
A2 examination
Unit 3
25% of A Level
1hour 30 minute written exam
Unit 4
25% of A Level
1hour 30 minute written exam
Future Prospects
Government and politics A-level has a natural link to many other subjects, such as history, economics
and business. The skills learnt in the course are of general use to anybody living in a modern
democracy, but will also specifically help in careers in the Civil Service, journalism or law. As subject
requiring a large amount of up to date analysis of current events, the skills it develops are very much
valued by employers from many different jobs.