What is Politics?

Objectives To get an idea about the format of an A 'Level lesson. To understand what politics is and be able to define it. To understand the structure of the AS course

The AS course Unit 1People, Politics & Participation People, Politics Electoral Systems Political Parties Pressure Groups 50% of AS 25% of A2 1 hour & 30 mins Unit 2 The British Government Constitution Parliament Core Executive Multi-Level governance. 50% of AS 25% of A2 1 hour & 30 mins

The A2 course Unit 3b Political Ideologies Liberalism Socialism Conservatism Fascism 25% of A2 1 hour & 30 mins Unit 4a The government of the USA Constitution Congress Core Executive Supreme Court 25% of A2 1 hour & 30 mins

Course requirements YOU MUST: Be interested in Government & Politics AND be able to spell it! Achieve AT LEAST a C in English Achieve AT LEAST a C in History IF you studied Watch the news and FREQUENTLY read a newspaper Be prepared to do your own research on the subject WITHOUT being prompted to. Do your summer homework to PASS the entry test.

Do you know the basics? 1.Who is Head of State? 2.What are the Houses of Parliament called? 3.Members of which house are not elected by voters? 4. Who chooses the date of the next general election? 5. How often does a general election have to be held? 6. How many political parties are represented by MPs in the House of Commons? 7. What colour is traditionally associated with the Conservative Party? 8. Name the 4 previous Prime Ministers ( ).

ANSWERS: Do you know the basics? 1. Who is Head of State? The Queen 2. What are the Houses of Parliament called? House of Lords & the House of Commons 3. Members of which house are not elected by voters? Lords 4. Who chooses the date of the next general election? PM 5. How often does a general election have to be held? Every 5 years 6. How many political parties are represented by MPs in the House of Commons? What colour is traditionally associated with the Conservative Party? Blue 8. Name the 5 previous Prime Ministers (1979-present). Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron

Activity Write a definition of Politics. If you finish quickly try to include a few examples

What is Politics? A.Is about conflict of interests and how these are resolved B.Is about conflict of ideas and how these are resolved C.Is about the struggle for power D.Is all of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Which is Which? A.Conflict of Ideas B.Conflict of interests C.Struggle for power D.All of the above

Why does conflict Arise? Scarcity Ideological Differences Differences in Approach Divisions of labour & power When there is a shortage of certain goods, conflict will result over the distribution of available resources Individuals might take a radically different view on the way in which society should be organised. Individuals might share an ideology but have a different approach in achieving their common goals. Individuals might be unhappy about their own position within society. Conflict might result from their desire to challenge the status quo.

What is Politics? In 3 basic ways The political process is the process by which these conflicts are resolved. Politics is therefore the study of conflict resolution. Part of this study must involve the way in which power is divided up between individuals, individuals and the state, and between the individual institutions that make up the state (Parliament, the Cabinet, Prime Minister, police etc.) This is politics on a ‘macro’ level, but even on a ‘micro’ level (family, friendship groups, school etc) political activity is going on because power relationships exist at all those levels. Examples could be taxpayers versus recipients of welfare benefits, OR motorists in cities versus users of public transport.

What is Politics? In 3 basic ways Politics can be seen as a conflict between ideas and ideologies. Hence why the Labour Party may want a completely different policy to the Conservatives on education for example. We have seen past conflicts between socialism, liberalism and conservatism. These are less common now as ideology has declined as parties try to appeal to all voters. Some of these ideologies see the individual as the most important ad that their interests should be prioritised. Others see the state as more important and that individuals serve the state for society to work.

What is Politics? In 3 basic ways Politics is the struggle for power. This can be between individuals or parties or factions within parties. Thus it can involve elections to win parliamentary seats or leadership contests and elections. We are now a two party state meaning that Labour and Conservatives struggle for power with third parties such as the Lib Dems struggling to be on the same level as the other two.

SO, what is Politics? In essence, therefore, Politics is about the conflict of ideas, conflict resolution and the distribution of power.

Holiday Homework Explain what politics is. 10 marks You will need: An introduction – introducing the question e.g. does it have a simple meaning? One paragraph arguing what politics is, with examples A second paragraph arguing what politics is, with examples A conclusion – answering the question

Holiday Homework 1.Answer the 10 mark exam question: Explain what politics is. 10 marks 2.Get yourself a ring binder with dividers to bring to ALL lessons. 3.Watch the news 4.Complete the glossary AND learnt the words for an ENTRY TEST. 5.Buy the core textbook SOME of this homework will determine if you do the course.

Due: Your first G&P lesson in September (if in doubt bring it in every day!) Warning – Failure to hand in a good effort on time could see you having to choose another course Holiday Homework

AS Politics