A Level Politics follows the Edexcel specification and is broken down into 4 units as follows:

Unit 1: Introduces pupils to the key channels of communication between government and the people, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. It encourages them to evaluate the adequacy of existing arrangements for ensuring representative democracy and participation.

Unit 2: Introduces pupils to the major governmental processes within the UK. The aim is to develop a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions.

Units 1 and 2 make up the AS level. The A2 develops this understanding in Units 3 and 4, which are referred to as Key and Extended Themes in Political Analysis.

Unit 3: Pupils will study the unit ‘Representative Processes in the USA’: elections and voting, political parties, pressure groups and racial and ethnic politics.

Unit 4: Pupils will study the unit entitled ‘Governing the USA’. Topics include the Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court.

A level Examination Specification:
Edexcel Government and Politics AS 8GP01
Edexcel Government and Politics A2 9GP01