Politics AS
- Course Level: AS Level
- Qualification: AS
- Awarded By: AQA
Introduction to course
Who runs the country, the British Government, the European Union or the USA?
What power does the Prime Minister have?
Why is the US President so powerful?
Do you know who your local MP is and how much they are claiming in expenses?
What are hung parliaments and coalition governments?
How effective is protesting against UK and US foreign policy in the Middle East?
Why do people vote the way they do or not even vote at all?
Government and Politics answers these questions and more....
Course Details
Visits to the Palace of Westminster & Parliament, London City Hall, the European Parliament or possibly Washington DC are arranged to see how these institutions function.
These are some of the topical issues you will study:
Why do we have a coalition government in the UK & what are the implications?
Why did Barack Obama win the US Presidential election of 2008?
Is Cameron really a Conservative? Is Nick Clegg really a Liberal Democrat?
How safe are our civil liberties? Can Parliament really control the Government and how well does Parliament discipline its own members?
Should we be able to dismiss our MP's?
Which factors influence how people vote?
Why do some pressure groups have too much influence and others very little?
It is an essay and exam-based subject with two units in each year on the Politics and Government of the UK and USA. The course is especially suitable for those students with a Humanities background, in particular History and those who have an interest in the study of UK and US Politics and current developments. Students often find it beneficial to study Government & Politics combined with another Social Science or Humanities subject and it goes particularly well with Economics, History and Sociology.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements you are also required to have the following:
Preferably B in English or a Humanities-related subject.
Students should already have an interest in UK Government and Politics generally (not just the politics of religion) or be prepared to develop one. A good way of doing this is to follow the news and trying to read quality newspapers (e.g The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph).
Click here for the general entry requirements
Where the course lead
Most Government & Politics students go on to study Law, Politics or other social science and humanities courses at university.
This course combines well with
History, Economics, Law, Sociology all combine particularly well with this subject. As it is essay based we welcome students who are studying English Language or Literature.
Course Assessment
Examination based-50% AS, 50% A2. Two written examination papers per year.
Course Progression
Many previous students have to gone on to careers in Law, Government, Education and Commerce.
Sir George Monoux College tries to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this web site. However, such accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The College reserves the right to make changes in regulations, the offering and structure of courses and programmes without notice.
Contact our admissions team for more info
