Read
Read How America Works… and Why It Doesn’t.
Continue reading a quality newspaper regularly, paying particular attention to US politics, elections, the presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court.
Preparing for U6
Starting A-level Politics:
The USA
You are not expected to complete everything on this page. Think of it as a menu rather than a checklist. Anything you do now will make the American course less unfamiliar — and much more interesting.
1. Essential
Begin with the system.
Listen
Listen to Paul’s More Perfect Spotify playlist, drawn from episodes of More Perfect.
Watch
Watch The Newsroom.
It is not a documentary, but it is excellent on political communication, media responsibility and the slightly quaint idea that facts ought to matter.
2. Desirable
Broaden the picture.
Read
Read The Economist or The Atlantic, particularly articles dealing with American democracy, political institutions, race, rights and elections.
Listen
Listen to Inventing America on BBC iPlayer.
Watch
Watch Inside Obama’s White House.
It is available on eStream within d’Overbroeck’s and, subject to availability, BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
3. Even Better If…
Follow the arguments.
Read
Read The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt.
Read political commentary from competing American perspectives. Try not merely to find writers with whom you agree. The internet already provides that service rather too efficiently.
Listen
Subscribe to The News Agents: USA.
Watch
Watch films and documentaries exploring American politics, institutions and political culture. Suitable choices include:
1. 13th (Netflix)
2. BlacKkKlansman
3. The Ides of March
4. The Fog of War