Why do people vote? Does it make any difference? Are the parties all the same? Aren’t pressure groups more effective than political parties? Aren’t parties all the same these days anyway? What actually goes on in the House of Commons? Does the PM have too much power? What about the USA? How do these things differ across the Pond?

If those are the sort of questions that interest you then welcome to Government and Politics,an A level option here at Sawtry College.Government and Politics has its own dedicated teaching room equipped With the very latest teaching resources From specialist roviders of Politics materials.  Students not only have access to the latest editions of the key textbooks, but also to specialist workbooks designed with the exam in mind.

What do I study?

The A level is a combination of British and American politics.

At AS students study British Politics:  Electoral Systems and Voting Behaviour, Pressure Groups, Political Parties, PM and Cabinet, Civil Service, The British Constitution and The Judiciary.
At A2 students study American Politics – The American Constitution, Civil Rights, The Supreme Court, Political Parties, Voting Behaviour, Core Executive, Presidential and mid term elections.

 

Why should I study Government and politics?

The study of Government and Politics  enables students to understand how the country is run, and the dispersal of power and resources between competing individuals and groups.  The study of the constitution, and the functions of parliament make Government and Politics an ideal A level  option for those considering going on to study law, Politics or international relations.
You develop great analytical and critical thinking skills as well as the ability to marshall evidence and arguments from a range of sources. You get  to write essays on some pretty complex material – thus demonstrating your competence as a cutting edge political scientist.
Universities LOVE the skills that a Politics student brings to their studies – and employers will love them too!

What can I study with Government and Politics?

It’s an excellent option for those wishing to combine with other social sciences such as Psychology and Sociology, as well as being a complementary option to topics such as Economics. The analytical and logical skills developed during  the course may also suit those taking science A levels, as well as providing the opportunity to develop research skills.

 

 

Government and Politics CAREERS

 

List of Careers
The study of Government and Politics is an excellent springboard into higher education and the typical politics graduate can be found in a range of occupations:

• Political researcher
• Policy analyst (think tank)
• MP’s assistant
• Teacher
• Barrister
• Solicitor
• Advocacy work
• Media production
• Journalism
• Trade Union researcher
• Civil Service

The above list is only a sample of the range of jobs open to Government and Politics graduates!
Want to know where YOU stand politically? – Check out www.political.compass.org and complete their on line questionnaire. You can add yours to the wall display in J4!