Politics

What You Will Learn About:  

• The workings of British and American political systems, including elections, government structures, and political parties.  

• Key political ideas and philosophies, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, and how these shape policies and political movements.  

• The influence of the European Union and other international organisations on national politics and economies.  

If you’re passionate about current affairs, critical thinking, and understanding how societies navigate their differences, Politics will give you the knowledge and skills to make your voice heard.  

Course Content & Assessment

Module 1: Government and Politics of the UK

In this unit, you will explore the development of the British political system and understand how it works today. Key topics include:

• The Uncodified Constitution: Discover the origins of the UK’s flexible constitution.

• Parliament: Learn about the structure and powers of Parliament, including the roles of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

• Devolution: Understand the powers of devolved Parliaments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• The Supreme Court: Investigate the role and responsibilities of the UK’s highest court.

• The Prime Minister and Cabinet: Explore how the Prime Minister and their Cabinet make decisions.

• Political Parties: The main and minor political parties’ positions on key policy decisions.

You’ll also study political participation and how citizens engage with the democratic process, from voting in general elections to referendums and by-elections. You will look at voter behaviour and the role of Pressure Groups, understanding their influence in politics.

Another focus will be on the European Union—its history, development, and historical impact on UK politics, especially in the context of Brexit and the decision to leave the EU.

Module 2: American Politics

This section compares the political systems of the UK and the USA, focusing on similarities and differences:

• Supreme Court of the United States: Compare the roles of the UK Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court.

• Constitutions: Understand the differences between the UK’s codified constitution and the US codified Constitution.

• Executive Powers: Explore the powers of the UK Prime Minister vs. the US President.

• Political Parties: Compare the major political parties in both countries and their influence on shaping policy in each country.

You will study landmark events like presidential elections and famous Supreme Court rulings (e.g., Roe v. Wade) to understand the key features of American politics.

Module 3: Political Ideas

This unit focuses on the political philosophies that shape modern democracies. You will study:

• Liberalism: Understand the key principles of individual freedom, equality, and rationality.

• Socialism: Explore ideas of equality, collective welfare, and government intervention.

• Conservatism: Learn about tradition, hierarchy, and the importance of authority.

• Feminism: Investigate the history and ideas behind gender equality in politics.

This part of the course helps you understand the ideas that influence both UK and US politics and prepares you to think critically about the future of political systems.

Examinations:

• Paper 1: Government and politics of the UK (77 marks/ 2 hours) 
• Paper 2: The government and politics of the USA and Comparative politics (77 marks/ 2 hours) 
• Paper 3: Political ideas (77 marks/ 2 hours) 

Teaching

In Politics, you’ll experience a dynamic and interactive approach to learning, with a variety of teaching methods designed to keep you engaged. Lessons will include teacher-led discussions, group and pair work, independent research, and opportunities. to present your ideas. You’ll be encouraged to think critically and develop your ability to argue and debate effectively.  

You’ll also need to stay informed about current affairs, as keeping up to date with the latest news and political developments will be an essential part of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to bring this knowledge into lessons and assessments, making your learning relevant and connected to real-world issues.  

Politics is an academic subject that will challenge you, but you will receive plenty of support throughout the course to help you succeed. Whether you’re passionate about political debates or just starting to explore the subject, you’ll be guided every step of the way.  

Your Future

Politics is a challenging and intellectually stimulating A-Level that provides a strong foundation for a wide range of university courses. Throughout the course, you’ll develop essential skills in debate, critical evaluation, and analytical thinking – skills that are highly valued by employers and universities alike.

This qualification is particularly beneficial for those looking to pursue careers in Law, media and journalism, teaching, or government administration. Whether you’re interested in working in the Civil Service, seeking a career in political office, or exploring other roles in public service or policy-making, Politics will give you the tools to succeed.

The ability to understand and engage with complex political issues, and communicate your views persuasively, will serve you well in a variety of career paths, making Politics a highly transferable and respected qualification.

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