Introduction to Political Systems and Power in the UK and USA
Learn about who is more powerful in theory and in practice – the UK Prime Minister or the US President.
705 enrolled on this course
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it works
Introduction to Political Systems and Power in the UK and USA
Explore the political power structures of the United Kingdom and United States
One of the most interesting political debates of recent years is who is more powerful – the UK Prime Minister or the US President.
On this four-week course, you’ll answer this question by examining the political structures of each country and their impact on POTUS and the PM’s agendas.
Examine the role of parliament and congress in relation to both world leaders
The power that the President and Prime Minister wield is built on a complex foundation of political structures.
On this course, you’ll explore the differences between the UK and US systems and how the constitutions of each country impact the passing of laws and policies.
With this knowledge, you’ll learn the limitations of each leader’s role and how leaders have used or abused these systems to try and further their own agendas.
Compare the role of the judicial system in each country and see which is more powerful
Both the US and UK supreme courts have been accused of acting increasingly politically in recent years.
On this course, you’ll explore the powers of each court and how this affects the power of both leaders.
You’ll be able to explain connections between the supreme courts and the governance of each country and how this affects political strategies in each government.
Develop your debating skills by investigating current political issues
Using recent political events as case studies, you’ll form opinions on each leader’s level of power and learn the skills to argue in political forums.
By the end of this course, you’ll understand the political structures within the UK and US. With this understanding, you’ll have developed your debating skills and be able to form a cohesive answer to the question, ‘Who is more powerful in theory and in practice, the UK Prime Minister or the US President?’
What topics will you cover?
Week 1 - what a constitution is, the differences between the constitutions in the UK and the US and most importantly what this means for Prime Ministerial and Presidential power.
Week 2 - the power of the Prime Minister and President in relation to how secure their position.
Week 3 - the role that Parliament and Congress play in relation to Prime Ministerial and Presidential power.
Week 4 - the differing judicial systems in the UK and US including the powers of the UK Supreme Court and US Supreme Court.
Throughout the course you will:
- Evaluate the key political institutions within the systems of government in the UK and US
- Explore the governmental systems in the UK and US through a series of fascinating case studies and examples
- Compare the systems of government in the UK and US
- Critique the systems of government in the UK and US
- Debate in forums, which political system is more effective
- Discuss key current political issues in the UK and US
- Solve the answer to the question ‘Who is more powerful in theory and in practice, the UK Prime Minister or the US President, based on what you have learnt in this course.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Evaluate how the key political institutions work within the systems of government in the UK and US.
- Explore the governmental systems in the UK and US through a series of fascinating case studies and examples.
- Compare the systems of government in the UK and US.
- Critique the systems of government in the UK and US.
- Debate, in forums, which political system is more effective.
- Discuss key current political issues in the UK and US.
- Solve the answer to the question 'Who is more powerful in theory and in practice, the UK Prime Minister or the US President?' based on what you have learnt in this course.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone wanting to understand how the key political institutions work within the systems of government in the UK and USA.
It would be particularly useful for anyone considering a Politics related course at A-level or university as well as those already studying Politics who want to revise key topics.
What software or tools do you need?
To take part in this course you will need access to the internet and speakers (built within a laptop/ PC or phone would be fine) to listen to or watch the video content. This course could be completed on a smart phone or laptop or PC.
Who will you learn with?
I have taught A-Level Politics since 2010. I completed a PhD in British Politics at the University of Manchester in 2017 and have co-written a book titled 'US Politics Annual Update 2022'.
Who developed the course?
Manchester Grammar School
Our history dates back to the time of Henry VIII, when The Manchester Grammar School was founded in 1515 by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter, to provide ‘godliness and good learning’ to the poor boys of Manchester.
The School proceeded to build a reputation as one of the country’s leading educational establishments, a position it still holds today as an independent day school.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $104/one-off payment | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 22 May 2024 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$104/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 22 May 2024
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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