Suggested Summer Reading and Preparation A Level Politics The resources below are intended to provide you with a gentle introduction to some of the key ideas studied in A Level Politics. The aim is not to complete large amounts of work over the summer, but rather to begin developing familiarity with political concepts, contemporary examples and evaluative thinking.
1. Introductory Reading – Democracy and Participation •
Resource: Pearson Edexcel A Level Politics introductory chapter (Democracy and Participation) https://media.hachettelearning.com/media/medialibraries/hodder/samples/government-and-politics/1619/pearson-edexcel-a-level-politics/pearson-edexcel-a-level-politics-sample-pages-9781398369160.pdf
Why this is useful: This chapter provides an accessible introduction to core political concepts such as democracy, participation, voting and representation. It also introduces you to the style of analysis and evaluation expected at A Level. Suggested Summer Task Please read the chapter and complete ONE core task and ONE optional task below. Core Task (everyone completes this) • •
Summarise what is meant by representative democracy. Summarise what is meant by direct democracy.
Guidance: Bullet points are absolutely fine. Keep your summaries concise and clear. Choose ONE optional task • • •
Which system do you think is better: representative democracy or direct democracy? Give two reasons for your view. Write a short response explaining whether the UK should introduce compulsory voting. Write a short response explaining whether the UK should lower the voting age to 16.
Suggested length: Approximately 1–2 paragraphs for the optional task.
2. Contemporary Politics Case Study •
Resource: UK 2024 General Election – Voting Behaviour and the Media https://files.cdn.thinkific.com/file_uploads/1066165/attachments/d23/c51/5a3/2024_GE_Voting_Behavi our_and_the_media.pdf
Why this is useful: This resource introduces you to contemporary British politics through the 2024 General Election. It links directly to topics such as voting behaviour, media influence, political parties and elections. You will begin to see how political theories and concepts can be applied to real political events. Please note: The purpose of these activities is simply to build curiosity and confidence before the course begins.