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AS and A level Politics

Course code: PTS

Level: AS Level, A Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

Requirements

At least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English Language. You need to have an interest in politics and a willingness to follow political events in the media.

Course Content

In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for the AS level and in Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 for the complete A level.

Unit 1: People and Politics
This looks at the key channels of communication between government and the people. Students have to evaluate existing arrangements for ensuring representative democracy and participation such as the types of voting system and pressure groups. 
You will be assessed by examination.

Unit 2: Governing the UK
This unit introduces students to the major governmental processes within the UK including the role of Parliament, the role of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and the role of judges.
You will be assessed by examination.

Unit 3: Representation Process in the USA
This unit looks at the various representative processes in the USA and you will need to evaluate how adequate this is in terms of popular participation and promoting a full democracy. The topics you will study are: Elections and voting, political parties, racial and ethnic policies and pressure groups.
You will be assessed by examination.

Unit 4: Global Political Issues
This topic examines the institutional framework of the US government and considers the interrelationships between its legislative, executive and judicial process and the health of US federalism. The topics you will study are: the American Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court.
You will be assessed by examination.

What else do I need to know?

You need to enjoy following current events. Methods of study are varied, being student active and will include discussion and debate. You will be encouraged to read political journals and collect relevant newspaper articles.

This subject combines well with many other subjects. The most important criterion to take this subject is an interest in broad political issues.

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