Why study Government and Politics?
Broadly speaking, government and politics has two particular aspects to it. Firstly, to govern means to rule or control others. Therefore a government is a body through which ordered rule is maintained aligned to the necessary ability to make collective decisions and having the capacity to enforce them. If policy is the formal plan of action adopted by government, then it is this which impacts upon the lives of most people and indeed upon society as a whole and has the capacity to affect economic and social well being. Secondly, although politics is commonly associated with the practice of government and the activities of the state and will therefore involve the study of the personnel and machinery of government, a definition of politics may also encompass power and decision making processes. In this respect, power relationships may be witnessed in schools, families, the workplace, communities and other places where there are opportunities for conflict and debate.
Government and Politics examines the relationship between political ideas and political practice and in doing so enables students to develop a wide range of skills including the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information, and to analyse and evaluate political knowledge. In addition it develops research techniques and encourages the student to communicate arguments clearly and coherently. These are attributes widely valued in a range of professions.
To read a course outline for AS and A Level Government and Politics please click the link on the right.
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