Why should I study it? This course provides an understanding of the political system of the UK, USA and the European Union. In Year 12, students will study the processes and theories which underpin the operation of the UK’s democratic system. In Year 13, students will have the opportunity to broaden their contemporary political knowledge through examination of the American system and the international response to global political issues. Those who study Government and Politics gain knowledge and understanding of how the world works – building an interest in world and current affairs and form a justified opinion on real world issues. Course Content UK Politics Students will study: Democracy and Participation, Political Parties, Electoral Systems, Voting Behaviour and the core political ideologies of Conservatism, Liberalism, and Socialism. UK Governance Students will study: The Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Executive, the UK Judiciary and the optional political ideas of Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism and Nationalism. Comparative Politics (USA or Global Issues) For USA (3A), students will study: The US Constitution and Federalism, US Congress, the US Presidency, the US Supreme Court, democracy and participation and the current statues of the Civil Rights movement OR for Global Issues (3B) students will study: Theories of Global Politics, Sovereignty and Globalisation, Global Governance: political and economic issues and solutions, Human Rights, Environmental policy and regional power blocks. Career possibilities The study ofGovernment and Politics provides students with a robust understanding of contemporary global issues whilst encouraging them to formulate their own viewpoint from competing perspectives. This can lead to a career in many areas including the Civil Service, Law, Journalism, Management Consultancy, Teaching, Public Relations, Research and an active career in politics.