A2 Government and Politics
Overview of A2 Politics
A2 Politics consists of two units. A2 1 consists of a Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of the United States of America and the United Kingdom. It is worth 35% of the A Level. Section A of the unit focuses on the role of the US Congress and the US President. Section B explores the similarities and differences between the US and UK political systems.
We study Option A: Political Power for A2 2. This unit comprises two elements. The first part of the unit assess the factors that enhance or hinder international stability. The second part of the unit evaluates the Marxist, Pluralist, Feminist and Elite theories of political power. A2 2: Political Power is worth 25% of the A Level.
A2 1: A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of the USA and the UK
Topic 1
US Congress
Topic 2
US President
Topic 3
Comparative Politics
What are the three branches of government?
What is a filibuster?
What are checks and balances?
A2 2: Political Power
Topic 1
Political Concepts
Topic 2
Stability Factors
Topic 3
Theories of Power
What are the main theories of power?
What is Pluralism?
Do public school boys run Britain?
Assessment at A2
Assessment is by two external exams. A2 1 is worth 35% and A2 2 is worth 25% of the A Level.
Assessment of A2 1 is by an external written exam with one source and six questions. There are two essay questions; one on US politics and another on comparative politics. The paper lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Assessment of A2 2 is also by external written exam with one source and five questions. There is one essay question. The paper lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes.