Politics

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Unit
Content
Assessment and Weighting
AS
 People, Politics and Participation This course will begin by looking at the nature of politics including political culture as well as the changing composition of the electorate in socio-demographic terms, including gender, class, age and ethnicity. We then move onto look at theories and debates concerning the factors that influence voting behaviour in general elections. We also assess the influence of opinion polls, media and campaigns. We shall then look at electoral systems, first examining the U.K electoral system, how it operates and the major proposals for reform. We will look at the arguments for and against a variety of systems including First-past-the post, the alternative vote and additional member systems. We examine if aspects from other electoral systems can enhance understanding of British electoral systems. Finally we look at the nature and use of referendums in the U.K. We then move onto studying the main political parties and pressure groups which try to influence the government. Written examination 25%
AS
 Governing Modern Britain This unit will look allow students to assess Britain’s representative institutions such as Parliament; examining how it works, its composition and proposed reforms; we will look at the increasing importance of Europe through institutions such as European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. Students will debate how Parliamentary Sovereignty has been affected by Europe as well as devolved bodies and local government. Then we will look at the personnel of the British government, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, junior ministers and civil servants and debate where power lies. We will also find out how you complain against government. Written examination 25%
A2
 The Politics of the USA This will be an in-depth look into the politics of the USA. Firstly we look at the political parties in America and ask why there is a two party dominance in America; we will look back at the ideologies of the Republican and Democrat parties and find out where they differ. Next, we will move onto pressure groups and see how they have played a part in the pluralism and social diversity of American politics. Then we will move onto looking at the electoral process and the issue of direct democracy in America. Issues such as the role of the constitution, the effect of primaries and how the workings of the electoral college system can affect the campaigns will be debated as well as the effect of the media and money in recent campaigns. Finally we look at political culture and voting behaviour in America, how such a diverse nation suffers fragmentation in political life, from socio-economic, to race and gender issues. We also examine why there are such levels of abstention in the USA and what the consequences are. Written examination 25%
A2 The Government of the USA This unit looks at the workings of the American Governmnet. Firstly we look at the constitutional framework of the USA. Then move on to examine the three branches of government, looking at;
The legislature- Its power, composition, functions and the effectiveness of Congress
The executive- Role and powers of the President, Cabinet and the Executive Office. What are the limits to executive power, especially in relation to the legislature, accountability and gridlock?
The Judiciary- The role of the judiciary in judicial review and constitutional interpretation. Also we review the recruitment, appointment and independence of senior members of the judiciary.		 Written examination 25%

 

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