Government & Politics AS/A2 · AQA
By studying Politics you will be able to examine many interesting questions:
- Who has political power and why?
- Why do people vote as they do?
- How are political decisions made?
For the Greek philosopher Aristotle, politics was the ‘master science’: that is, nothing less than the activity through which people try to improve their lives and create the ‘good society’. The subject is not only about current political affairs, but it will help you to take a balanced view of important issues and learn how to evaluate information.
Course Outline
4 units – 2 for AS level and 2 for A2 level.
AS Level
AS Level
Unit 1 – People Politics & Political Participation
- Participation and Voting Behaviour
- Electoral systems
- Party Policies & Ideas
- Pressure Groups
Unit 2 – Governing Modern Britain
- The British constitution
- Parliament
- The Core Executive
- Multi level Governance
This will be followed by further specialization at A2.
A2 Level
Unit 3 – Ideologies:
- Political Ideologies – liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism
Unit 4 – Government of the USA
- USA – Constitution, Congress, Presidency & Supreme Court
Lessons will involve a mixture of teaching and learning methods – teacher led activities, group work and student presentations. There is an annual trip to Westminster, a visit to the USA every two years (including a conference at the United Nations) and an opportunity to attend student conferences. In addition outside speakers (including MPs and university academics) are invited in to talk on specific topics.
For more information visit the EDEXCEL Exam Board Website