PS-E2– Mini-Mock Examination of 40 minutes.

In examination conditions Answer Q1 or Q2.

Use continuous prose – Do not use bullet points.

AQA Examination Board [Gov]

Q1 – Study the extract below and answer parts (a), (b), and (c) which follow.

[The motives of those who call for a referendum might be doubted. Referendums can be called for reasons that have little to do with the merits of democratic consultation or popular particpation. Usually, refrendums are advocated by those who think that their side will win. If they are in government then the timing and the wording of the referendum question is in their hands, allowing them a greater chance to obtain the outcome they desire.

Many who warm to the idea of referendums on constitional issues are nevertheless often reluctant to see the public vote on issues such as abortion, capital punishment and immigration. {Source: adapted from D Watts, in L. Robbins % B. Jones (eds), Debates in British Politics Today, MUP (2000).} ]

(a) Explain the phrase the wording of the referendum question in the extract. [5 marks]

(b) Explain the extent to which referendums are controlled by the government in power. [10 marks]

(c) "Referendums are alien to the British tradition of politics." Discuss. [25 marks]

Q2 – Study the extract below and answer parts (a), (b), and (c) which follow.

[Declining advertising revenue has placed much of Britain's media industry in financial crisis and has had an impact on coverage of the 2001 general election. Since there was much public apathy towards the election, newspaper editors did not want to provide intense coverage to uninterested readers. During the campaign, only a quarter of the front pages of tabloid newspapers referred to the forthcoming election.]

(a) Explain the term tabloid newspapers used in the extract. [5 marks]

(b) How much is the media responsible for political apathy? [10 marks]

(c) To what extent, if any, does the mass media influence voting behaviour? [25 marks]

General Advice:

Plan your answer and make sure that you answer the question (do not simply write about the subject). Demonstrate that you are answering the exam question by continually relating back to the essay title. Remember the marks are in the discussion – explain your thinking. Brief answers are inadequate and get low marks! Use ALL of the allocated forty minutes sensibly