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GOVERNMENT & POLITICS A LEVEL
‘I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry and music’
John Adams, 2nd President of the United States of America (1735-1826)
Ashbourne’s Humanities Department The department is led by Dennis Fulcher. Dennis has vast experience, spanning more than twenty years, and as Head of Humanities, he has a strong command of several subject areas. Originally a graduate in sociology, Dennis has also completed a Masters in Government and Political Studies, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Print Journalism. Dennis joined Ashbourne nine years ago and has headed the department for the past seven. The department has enjoyed an outstanding record of success under Dennis’s stewardship. Dennis has taught in both the state and the independent sectors at all levels including graduate and post graduate levels. He is also a government and politics examiner for Edexcel. Taking most of the teaching in politics is Joanna Budden, who joined us recently and who also teaches history. Joanna graduated with honours from Leeds.
Examination Board
Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification, as it covers the core areas of UK politics with a focus on recent developments and allows for specialisms to be explored at A 2, for example the international political system or the politics and government of the USA. The specification has been approved by the QCA for first delivery from September 2008.
Unit 1 People and Politics
Students must learn all topic areas within this unit. There are no optional topics within Unit 1.
Democracy and Political Participation
democracy
legitimacy
representation
direct democracy
representative democracy
liberal democracy
parliamentary democracy
political participation
referendum
Nature of democracy — a knowledge and understanding of the idea of democracy, of the forms that democratic governance has taken, particularly the difference between direct and representative forms of democracy and their strengths and weaknesses, and the nature of liberal democracy.
Democracy in the UK — a knowledge and understanding of the main features of democracy in the UK; an awareness of both the strengths of the UK democratic system and why it has been criticised, including reasons for and the extent of the ‘participation/legitimacy crisis’ in UK politics; how far the UK system conforms to liberal democratic principles; and the implications of developments such as devolution and EU membership.
Enhancing democracy — a knowledge and understanding of reforms of the UK democratic system that would extend participation and strengthen accountability, such as the wider use of referendums, lowering the voting age, compulsory voting and digital democracy and an assessment of their implications and possible benefits.
Party Policies and Ideas
political party
left/right
liberalism
conservatism
socialism
factionalism
consensus politics
adversary politics
Nature of political parties — a knowledge and understanding of political parties, of their distinctive features and of their key functions within the political system. Traditions and policies of parties — a knowledge and understanding of the central ideas, traditions and policies of the major UK political parties, and the development of party policies in recent years and of factors that influence ideological and policy development, including policy and ideological differences within parties.
(Although extended questions will not be set solely on political traditions, they maybe set on sub-traditions such as ‘new’ Labour or ‘Thatcherism’.)
Comparing party policies and ideas — a knowledge and understanding of similarities and contrasts between the ideas and policies of the major parties and of the ideological relationship between and amongst them.
Elections
election
majoritarian representation
mandate
proportional representation
electoral reform
party system
strong government
stable government
Elections and democracy — a knowledge and understanding of how and why elections promote democracy, and of the limitations of this democratic role.
Elections in the UK — a knowledge and understanding of the workings of the voting systems used for elections to the House of Commons, to devolved bodies and local authorities, and to the European Parliament, and an awareness of their implications for party representation and government.
Debating electoral systems — a knowledge and understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the UK electoral systems and, in particular, of the benefits or otherwise of changing the Westminster electoral system. (Extended questions will not be set on particular electoral systems, except for the simple plurality system.)
Pressure Groups
pressure group
sectional/ promotional groups
insider/outsider
groups
pluralism
elitism
functional representation
pluralist democracy
Nature of pressure groups — a knowledge and understanding of the features and functions of pressure groups; of how and the extent to which they differ from political parties; and an awareness of the different kinds of pressure groups.
Pressure group power — a knowledge and understanding of how pressure groups exert influence and of the extent of their influence, and an awareness of the distribution of power amongst pressure groups, including the factors that influence this.
Pressure groups and democracy — a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between pressure groups and democracy and, in particular, of the extent to which they promote political participation and responsive government.
Unit 2 Governing the UK
Introduction: This unit introduces students to the major governmental processes within the UK. It encourages them to develop a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions and the relationship between them in the context of multilevel governance.
Students must learn all topic areas within this unit. There are no optional topics within Unit 2.
The Constitution
constitution
constitutionalism
codified/uncodified constitution
unitary/federal
constitution
parliamentary sovereignty
pooled sovereignty
devolution
quasi-federalism
elective dictatorship
Nature of the constitution — a knowledge and understanding of the features of a constitution and of the benefits of constitutional government, including the differences between codified and uncodified constitutions, and an understanding of the nature, sources and key features of the UK constitution.
Sovereignty and the constitution — a knowledge and understanding of debates about the location of sovereignty within the UK constitutional system, particularly in relation to the significance of European Union membership and devolution.
Reforming the constitution — a knowledge and understanding of key reforms to the constitution since 1997, such as devolution and Lords reform, and an awareness of their advantages and disadvantages; and an understanding of ongoing debate about constitutional reform, including the possible introduction of a ‘written’ constitution.
Parliament
Parliament
Westminster model
representative and responsible government
parliamentary government
presidential government
fusion/separation of powers
bicameralism
accountability
Legislatures and executives — a knowledge and understanding of the different relationships between legislatures and executives in parliamentary and presidential systems of government, and an awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Role of Parliament — a knowledge and understanding of the composition, role and powers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and an awareness of the functions of Parliament and how effectively it discharges them, including an awareness of the relationship of Parliament to the European Union and devolved assemblies.
Reforming Parliament — a knowledge and understanding of recent and proposed reforms of Parliament, including an awareness of their implications and alleged benefits or drawbacks.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet
cabinet
government
core executive
prime ministerial
government
presidentialism
political leadership
collective responsibility
individual responsibility
Role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet — a knowledge and understanding of the role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet within the context of the core executive and the conventions of collective and individual responsibility. (Separate questions will not be set on the civil service.)
Powers of the Prime Minister — a knowledge and understanding of the sources of prime ministerial power and of key constraints on the Prime Minister, including external factors that affect executive policy making.
Prime ministerial leadership — a knowledge and understanding of the leadership style adopted by Prime Ministers and of the changing relationship between Prime Ministers and their parties, cabinet and Parliament, including debates about the presidentialisation of UK politics.
Judges and Civil Liberties
judiciary
judicial independence
judicial neutrality
civil liberty/civil liberties
rule of law
Role of the judiciary — a knowledge and understanding of the role and significance of the judiciary in promoting rule-based governance. Power and influence of judges - a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the judiciary and other branches of government, and of the extent to which judges can check the power of the executive and the legislature.
Civil liberties and individual rights — a knowledge and understanding of the impact of the courts on the issues of civil liberties and individual rights including the implications of the Human Rights Act and possible reforms such as the introduction of a supreme court and a constitutional bill of rights, and of the relationship between the judiciary, the European courts and EU law.
Unit 3 Key Themes in Political Analysis
Introduction: This unit introduces students to key themes in political analysis. Students will need to study one of the following topics:
Topic A: UK Political Issues
Topic B: Introducing Political Ideologies
Topic C: Representative Processes in the USA
Topic D: Structures of Global Politics.
3.1 Unit 3, Topic A: UK Political Issues
Focus: This topic looks at key policy issues in the UK, particularly those that have affected the outcomes of general elections or stimulated public debate.
Students taking Unit 3, Topic A must learn all areas within the topic.
Economic Policy
interventionism
free market
Keynesianism
monetarism
privatisation
economic globalisation
A knowledge of the general relationship between the state and the market in economic policy and of debates about the role of economic management. Specific knowledge of policies in relation to economic growth, stability, privatisation, fiscal and monetary policy, employment, inflation, the distribution of income taxation, exchange rates, and trade unions. The impact of economic globalisation and the EU context of economic policy making should also be taken into account.
Social Welfare, Health and Education
welfare state
social rights
social security
individual/social responsibility
marketisation
quasi-privatisation
universalism
A general knowledge of the scope and scale of welfare provision and of the changing emphasis of the welfare debate in the UK. A knowledge of party positions and developing public policy related to the benefits or social security system, the education system, the health service and housing provision. (Specific questions on housing alone will not be set.)
Law, Order and Criminal Justice
public order
crime
punishment
A knowledge of party positions and developing public policy related to crime and public order. This includes changing attitudes towards prison policy, young offenders, anti- terrorism and police powers and accountability. Changing attitudes towards the balance between action against crime and against the causes of crime. Students may also be required to assess the efficacy of law and order policies.
Environmental Policy
environmentalism
ecology
sustainable growth
A knowledge of party positions and developing public policy related to the environment. This includes attitudes to ‘climate change’, pollution, resource depletion and the environmental aspects of other policy areas such as transport, food, planning and rural affairs. An awareness of the impact of EU and other policies and treaties on UK environmental policy should also be demonstrated.
3.3 Unit 3,Topic B: Introducing Political Ideologies
Students taking Unit 3, Topic B must learn all areas within the topic.
Liberalism
individualism
freedom
justice
rationalism
equality
liberal democracy
constitutionalism
consent
A knowledge of core ideas, doctrines and theories of liberal ideology, particularly as they affect liberal views on human nature, the state, society and the economy. An ability to discuss differing views and tensions within liberal ideology, notably between classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
Conservatism
tradition
organic society
hierarchy
authority
property
paternalism
libertarianism
authoritarianism
neoliberalism
neoconservatism
A knowledge of core ideas, doctrines and theories of conservative ideology, particularly as they affect conservative views on human nature, the state, society and the economy. A knowledge of differing views and tensions within conservative ideology, particularly related to divisions between traditional conservatism and the ‘New Right’.
Socialism
co-operation
fraternity
collectivism
social equality
communism
social democracy
social justice
third way
A knowledge of core ideas, doctrines and theories, particularly as they affect socialist views on human nature, the state, society and the economy. An awareness of differences within socialism, in particular differences between revolutionary and evolutionary socialism and between fundamentalist and revisionism socialism.
(Questions will not be set on the features of 20th-century communism alone.)
Anarchism
autonomy
utopianism
mutualism
egoism
anarcho-communism
anarcho-capitalism
anarcho-syndicalism
A knowledge of the core ideas, doctrines and theories of anarchist political thought. An awareness of the breadth of anarchism, particularly of differences between collectivist anarchism and individualist anarchism, and of anarchism’s relationship to socialism and liberalism. A knowledge of the difficulties anarchists have faced in translating their goals into successful political practice.
Unit 3, Topic C: Representative Processes in the USA
Focus:This topic looks at the representative processes of the US political system and considers their adequacy in terms of popular participation and full democracy. What students need to learn:
Students taking Unit 3, Topic C must learn all areas within the topic.
Elections and Voting
primary and caucus
elections
propositions
partisanship
invisible primaries
national party
conventions
presidential debates
congressional elections
mid-term elections
A knowledge of the electoral mechanisms used in the US system and of their significance. An awareness of the factors that explain the outcomes of recent presidential and congressional elections, including voting behaviour in recent elections and campaign finance.
Political Parties
party decline/renewal
two-party system
conservative
liberalism
A knowledge of the ideologies, theories and traditions of the Democrats and Republicans, of conflicts and tendencies within each party, and of their coalitions of supporters. A knowledge of the US party system, of the distribution of power within parties, and of the changing significance of parties as a means of organising the electorate and as channels of political access. A knowledge of minor parties, their impact and obstacles to participation.
Pressure Groups
public interest groups
private interest groups
lobbying
A knowledge of the different categories of groups within the US system and of how they operate. A knowledge of the policy significance of organised groups and interests, of their resources and tactics, and of debates about their impact upon democracy. A knowledge of how they operate to influence specified branches of federal government as well as exploiting the electoral process to enhance their influence.
Racial and Ethnic Politics
civil rights
multiculturalism/
multiracialism
black nationalism
ethnic coalitions and
conflicts
affirmative action
A knowledge of racial and ethnic diversity in the USA, of key issues in minority politics, including forms of minority political activism, the extent of minority representation and an evaluation of the policies to diminish racial division.
Unit 3, Topic D: Structures of Global Politics
Focus: This topic provides an introduction to global politics by examining key global political structures and systems. What students need to learn:
Students taking Unit 3, Topic D must learn all areas within the topic.
Approaches to Global Politics
sovereignty
the nation state
theories of global politics
globalisation
interdependence
transnational
corporations
global and local
A knowledge of the divisions between realism and idealism, and of the ideas of an anarchic international system and a society of states.
A knowledge of the processes of globalisation and its impact on the states system.
A knowledge of the factors driving globalisation (economic, cultural, political) and an awareness of debates about the impact of globalisation, and particularly its implications for the nation-state, and debates about the benefits and drawbacks of globalisation.
World Order
power
balance of power
polarity
hegemony
nationalism
The main focus of the topic will be on developments in the post-1989 period. A knowledge of the changing nature of world order in the 20th and 21st centuries, and an ability to discuss the effects of events such as the collapse of communism on the nature of global order, including an awareness of the implications of conditions such as bipolarity, unipolarity and multipolarity. A knowledge of the differing significance of states in global affairs, of the importance of power (both hard and soft) and why, for instance, some states are classified as great powers or superpowers, or as ‘emerging powers’.
Global Governance
international organisations
governance
intergovernmentalism
supranationalism
Knowledge of the origins, development and role of major global institutions, from 1945, in relation to the key problems of global politics.
The emphasis will be on the role, performance and significance of the United Nations, but students should also have knowledge of other key bodies such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and institutions of global economic governance such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Group of Eight (G8).
European Union and Regionalism
Euro-federalism
national sovereignty
subsidiarity
regionalisation
Knowledge of the origins and development of the EEC/EC/EU, of the general factors that have fostered European integration, of the major developments through which this has occurred, particularly economic and monetary union, of the process of enlargement, and significance of the EU as an international body.
A knowledge of the growth of regional integration globally, of regionalisation organisations outside of Europe, and of debates about the reasons for, and significance of, regionalisation. (Essay questions will not be set on non- European regional organisations.)
Unit 4 Extended Themes in Political Analysis
Introduction: This unit extends students’ understanding of key themes in political analysis. Students will need to study one of the following topics:
Topic A: EU Political Issues
Topic B: Other Ideological Traditions
Topic C: Governing the USA
Topic D: Global Political Issues.
Unit 4, Topic A: EU Political Issues
Focus This topic examines the political issues that have arisen as a result of the process of European integration, and the impact of the EU on the UK. It also looks at European institutions and their inter- relationships and the European economic and social model.
Students taking Unit 4, Topic A must learn all areas within the topic.
Impact of the EU on the UK
national sovereignty
qualified majority voting (QMV)
national veto
subsidiarity
A knowledge of the impact of the EU on UK policies and political parties, including changes in party attitudes towards the EU. An awareness of the factors that have shaped these policies and debates about their impact and future development.
Effects on the constitution, on institutions and institutional relationships and on pressure group politics.
European Integration
Euro-federalism
functionalism/neofunctionalism
pooled sovereignty
subsidiarity
transitional states.
A knowledge of the process of European integration and of key treaties and phases in the integration process, including the issue of an EU constitution.
A knowledge of debates about the implications and benefits of integration, and of the relationship between integration and enlargement.
EU Institutions and Their Relationships
supranationalism
intergovernmentalism
democratic deficit
accountability
A knowledge of the key institutions of the EU and of the relationship between and among them, including an awareness of the location of policy-making power within the EU and of the balance of power between the EU and member states and amongst member states.
A knowledge of the processes within the EU for ensuring democratic participation and accountability and of the success of the reform process.
Domestic Policy Issues
monetary union
open economies
labour markets
flexibility and mobility
A knowledge of the different economic and social models in EU states and the development of EU economic and social policies such as monetary union, the Common Agricultural Policy, tariffs and trade and those policies contained in the Social Chapter. An awareness of the factors that have shaped these policies and of debates about their impact and future development.
Unit 4, Topic B: Other Ideological Traditions
Focus: This topic examines the ideological traditions that have developed out of, or emerged in opposition to, liberalism, conservatism and socialism.
Students taking Unit 4, Topic B must learn all areas within the topic.
Nationalism
nation
nation-state
racialism
patriotism
national self-
determination
A knowledge of the core ideas, doctrines and theories of nationalism and of the variety of nationalist traditions and their different political manifestations. An understanding of different types of nationalism and the extent to which nationalism relates to other ideological traditions.
Feminism
sex/gender
gender equality
patriarchy
public/private divide
essentialism
A knowledge of the core ideas, doctrines and theories of feminist thought, of tensions within feminism and of competing feminist traditions, notably an understanding of the distinctive features of liberal feminism, socialist/Marxist feminism and radical feminism, and also taking into account more recent developments.
Ecologism
ecology
‘hard/soft’ ecology
deep/shallow ecology
environmentalism
holism
sustainability
industrialism
social ecology
anthropocentrism
A knowledge of the core ideas, doctrines and theories of ecological and environmentalist political thinking. An understanding of the range of ecological traditions and differences between them, focusing in particular on conservative/authoritarian ecologism, eco-socialism, eco- anarchism and eco-feminism.
Multiculturalism
communitarianism
post-colonialism
identity politics
minority rights
toleration
diversity
pluralism
cosmopolitanism
A knowledge of the core ideas, doctrines and theories of multiculturalist political thinking, and an understanding of the range of multiculturalist views and their relationship to political stances such liberalism, pluralism and cosmopolitanism.
A critical understanding should also be demonstrated of the effectiveness of multiculturalism in ensuring political stability and inclusion, including critiques of multiculturalism.
Unit 4, Topic C: Governing the USA Focus: This topic examines the institutional framework of US government and considers the interrelationships between its legislative, executive and judicial processes and the health of US federalism.
Students taking Unit 4, Topic C must learn all areas within the topic.
The Constitution
separation of powers
checks and balances
Constitutional rights
A knowledge of the nature and principles of the US Constitution. An awareness of the constitutional framework within which US institutions operate and of the relationship between the Constitution and practical politics. Constitutional rights and an evaluation of their effectiveness.
Congress
representation
government gridlock t
he committee
system of Congress
A knowledge of the structure and workings of Congress, of the distribution of power within Congress, and of debates about the adequacy of its representative role. A knowledge of factors influencing the relationship between Congress and the presidency, and an ability to discuss the policy significance and institutional effectiveness of Congress. An awareness of the extent and significance of party allegiance.
Presidency
presidential system
imperial presidency
Executive Office of the President (EXOP)
Cabinet Federal Bureaucracy
new federalism
A knowledge of the formal and informal sources of presidential power and of the relationships between the presidency and other institutions. An awareness of the factors that affect the role of the presidency and an ability to evaluate the capacity to provide leadership of the presidency and of recent presidents.
Supreme Court
judicial review
judicial independence
due process
A knowledge of the composition and role of the Supreme Court. A knowledge of the process for appointing Federal judges and of debates about the political significance of the Supreme Court and its impact on public policy in the USA.
Unit 4, Topic D: Global Political Issues
This topic examines key issues in recent global politics and how these issues are dealt with at a global level. Students taking Unit 4, Topic D must learn all areas within the topic. Conflict, War and Terrorism clash of civilisations ‘war on terror’ ‘rogue’ states weapons of mass destruction terrorism Poverty and Development north-south divide neocolonialism development corruption Environmental Issues environmental crisis ecology global commons sustainability Human Rights human rights international law minority rights humanitarian intervention Possible University Degree Programmes Suited to A-level Government & Politics Government and Politics A level gives much scope for further study in related areas at graduate and post graduate level. International Politics is particularly popular at degree level. But there are many other options, for example History, Law or even Economics. At Oxford one may study Politics, Philosophy and Economics and many universities now offer Languages, Economics and Politics over four years, where students may spend a year studying at French, Spanish or German universities. There are many excellent politics and government degrees offering students a wide variety of specialisms. Careers in Law, Academia, the Civil Service, Public Relations, Journalism or even politics itself are the most likely routes taken by graduates in these subjects.
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