Politics shapes our lives – what we can do, the type of society we live in, the chances we have to succeed. This course is for people who want to understand more about how politics and government actually work. You will learn about the grand ideas and vibrant movements that are transforming the world around us, and also see how seemingly arcane customs and obscure committees hold enormous power.

In the AS section, we start by looking at politics in the UK: Who has the power? How important are elections? What are the limits on Parliament and the prime minister? We will learn how laws are made, and about the ever changing influence of political parties, the European Union and devolved government. We’ll also see some of the ways ordinary people interact with the government - and the power they can wield.

In the A2 section, we use the concepts and ideas we’ve learned in AS to explore the wider world of politics. You will be able to study the colourful, larger-than-life politics of the United States – learning about its almost sacred constitution, the horse-trading in Congress and the surprising powers of the White House. In both the USA and the UK, there can be wide differences between what should happen in theory and how things happen in practice. In this course, we will look at both the theory and the practice.

In summary, this course explains ‘the rules’ of how politics works and looks at how people and politicians operate within – and bend – these rules. Both sections are examined in two ninety-minute written exams. To excel, you will need to put aside any preconceptions about politics and keep your eyes open to the world around you – the things you’ll learn about in this course are happening all around you, every day.

Unit 1: GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation

This unit focuses on the theme of political behaviour in the UK. It explores how people's different patterns of participation can be explained and the forms of participation in a democracy.

The importance of voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems in communicating political opinion and the controversies surrounding the use of referendums are crucial topics for analysis.

The principal institutions through which people's participation is achieved: political parties and pressure groups, are explored in terms of communicating views, shaping people's political ideas and the acquisition of resources which are likely to make them more powerful within the wider political system.

• Participation and voting behaviour
• Electoral systems
• Political parties
• Pressure groups and protest movements

Unit 2: GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain

This unit focuses on the process of governing the UK, with power dispersed from local to European levels. The extent to which Britain's unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between individual rights and the power of the state is explored.

The role of Westminster in providing a democratic element in government is examined as well as the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The direction which government takes is analysed at the very apex of power in arrangements within the core executive.

Academic controversies are assessed in terms of the focus on the key issue of how Britain is governed

• The British constitution
• Parliament
• The core executive
• Multi-level governance

Unit 3A: - GOV3A the Politics of the USA

At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied. In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• The electoral process and direct democracy
• Political parties
• Voting Behaviour
• Pressure groups

Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3B Ideologies, or Unit 3C Politics and Power.

Unit 3B: - GOV3B Ideologies

At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied.

In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• Liberalism
• Socialism
• Conservatism
• Fascism

Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3A The Politics of the USA, or Unit 3C Politics and Power.

Unit 3C: - GOV3C Politics and Power

At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied.

In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• Power in modern society
• Executive power
• Political culture
• Britain in Europe

Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3A The Politics of the USA, or Unit 3B Ideologies.

Unit 4: GOV4A the Government of the USA

At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied. In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• The constitutional framework of US government
• The legislative branch of government: US Congress
• The executive branch of government
• The judicial branch of government: the supreme court

Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or Unit 4C Perspectives on Modern Politics.

Unit 4B: GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action
At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied.

In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered

• Ethnicity and Gender
• The Environment
• Education
• The Economy

Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4A The Government of the USA, or Unit 4C Perspectives on Modern Politics.

Unit 4C: GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied.

In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• Participation and Representation
• Globalisation
• Change and Continuity
• Territorial Politics

Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4A The Government of the USA, or Unit 4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action.

Unit 1: GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
• 50% of AS Level
• 25% of A Level
• 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
• 80 marks
• Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four.

Unit 2: GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
• 50% of AS Level
• 25% of A Level
• 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
• 80 marks
• Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four.

Unit 3: either - GOV3A the Politics of the USA, or GOV3B Ideologies, or GOV3C Politics and Power
• 25% of A Level
• 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
• 80 raw marks
• Two questions from a choice of four.

Unit 4: either - GOV4A the Government of the USA, or GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
• 25 % of A Level
• 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
• 80 raw marks
• Two questions from a choice of four.

Exam Format
A Level Government and Politics consists of 4 units in total:
AS Level = 2 units
A2 Level = 2 units

AS Level
Unit 1: GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Unit 2: GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

A2 Level
Unit 3: either - GOV3A the Politics of the USA, or
GOV3B Ideologies, or
GOV3C Politics and Power
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Unit 4: either - GOV4A the Government of the USA, or
GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or
GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
 
The college provides expertise support and advice for students in their studies through their comprehensive course packs and tutoring system. However, we do stress that it is the student’s responsibility to find a centre to register and take their exams with. We are aware that sometimes this is difficult or even impossible to arrange. Now we have come to an arrangement with centres in Birmingham, Bristol and Harrogate so please contact them directly for fees and a timetable. We realise this may still involve a good deal of travelling for some students but the long-term benefits of being able to gain A Levels far outweigh the short-term expense and inconvenience.

Recommended Centres

English Maths Science Tuition Centre Ltd.
40 Showell Green lane
Sparkhill
Birmingham,
B11 4JP
England
United Kingdom

Tel: 0121-771-1298

info@englishandmaths.com

http://www.englishandmaths.com/Index.php

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3A Tutors Ltd
1A High Street
Staple Hill
Bristol
BS16 5HA

Tel: 0117 9109931

Email: enquiries@3at.org.uk

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Harrogate Tutorial College
2 The Oval
Harrogate
HG2 9BA

Telephone +44(0)1423 501041

E-Mail study@htcuk.org

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Campbell Harris Tutors Ltd
185 Kensington High Street
London
W8 6SH
Telephone 020 7937 0032

Email principal@campbellharris.co.uk

Web Site http://campbellharris.co.uk/Content.asp?ID=18

Please visit AQA for exam information.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private.php

The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre.

Q: When can I enrol?

The beauty of distance learning means that students can enrol at anytime they wish 365 days of the year. Enrolments and payment can be made online or by calling our office on 0800 0131030.

Q: How soon after enrolment can I start studying?

Students would normally receive course materials within 7 days of enrolment

Q: Is this course accredited?

Yes! This course prepares students for the AQA A Level examinations. 

Q: Is there any funding available towards the course fees?

UK Open College is a privately run college therefore we do not have access to funding

Q: Do you offer any discounts for the unemployed or low income households?

Unfortunately discounts are not available

Q: Can I pay monthly for my course?

Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only.  See fees page for further details.

Q: How do I know whether this is the right course for me?

In truth we cannot be sure if this course or indeed home learning will meet every students needs. To help we have a money back guarantee scheme in place which allows students to receive and try the course materials for seven days to establish whether this course is the ideal course for them. If it's not simply notify us via email or telephone within the seven day period for a full refund. Please be aware this is a strict seven day scheme and no refunds are processed once this period has expired.

Q: Is this course available to International students?

Yes ! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. 

Q: Are there any deadlines for course assignments?

No! You can submit course assignments at your own pace. The only deadline is for completion of the whole course which requires students to finish within one year of registration.

Q: What if I have questions relating to my course or have problems understanding some of the questions?

No problem! All students have access to a personal tutor for the duration of their course with whom they may correspond with. You are not on your own when you study with us! We really do want you to pass your course!

Q: Will I have to purchase any additional books or materials?

It will state clearly in the course detail if additional books are required. These are not included in the course fees. Students are required to purchase these independantly. They are not provided by the college

Recommended Reading
There are a number of textbooks that cover the AS and most parts of the A2 course (Units 1 and 2). Some of the best include:

British Politics in Focus, by Roy Bentley et all, 2004 – comprehensive and straight-forward

For the American politics sections of A2, there are also a number of books specifically aimed at A-level students, including:

American Politics and Society, by David McKay, 2005 – very good

On the European Union:

The European Union and British Politics, by Andrew Geddes, 2003

Course Fee: Starting at: £349.00