AS UK Government & Politics
There are NO extensions of time - if 'additional work' is given it must be handed in for the date required.
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GOV1a - Social class and voting behaviour
Social Class has long appeared a key factor in explaining voting in Britain. Labour, as the name implies, was a party set up to represent the interests of the working class. The Conservative Party was associated with the interests of the property-owning middle class. In 1967 a political scientist famously oberved that 'class is the basis of British politics: all else is embelishment and detail'. During recent decades, however, class allegiances have weakened as a result of a process of de-alignment. Issue-voting has increased as traditional ties between parties and class loosened. Nevertheless, a link still exists between class and voting. The proprtion of votes for Labour still increases, while the Conservative vote decreases, the further one moves down the social scale.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'de-alignment' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, assess the impact of issue-voting on the results of general elections. [10 marks]
(3) 'A link exists between class and voting.' Discuss the extent to which social class still influences the voring behaviour of Britain's electorate. [25 marks]
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GOV1b - Referendums and Democracy
The theory of representative democracy emphasises that citizens elect representatives to take decisions on their behalf. This is preferable to the direct democracy of referendums because the representatives are more skilled at making decisions, more likely to pursue the national interest rather than self-interest, more likely to take the interests of unpopular minorites into account and to seek compromises which will satisfy as many people as possible. Referendums also appear to undermine a fundamental element in the British constitution - the sovereignty of parliament. To avoid this criticism, all referendums held in the United Kingdom have, in theory, been advisory only. Nevertheless, the theoretical case for using referendums is relatively straightforward - they are democratic.
(1) Explain the term 'direct democracy' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why national referendums have been restricted to constitutional decisions and not issues such as capital punishment or immigration. [10 marks]
(3) 'Referendums represent a more democratic form of participation than the opportunity to vote in elections.' Discuss [25 marks]
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GOV1c - New Labour
New Labour has effectively embraced the economic side of Thatcherism: tax cuts, low inflation, a market economy plus encouragement of entrepreneurial activity. Also, the New Labour emphasis on giving power to ordinary members disguised a remarkable centralisation of decision making. This was done in order to guarantee 'moderate' policy making and 'sensible' campaigning methods. Suspicion that power in the Labour Party was passing upwards was not confined to policy making. In candidate selection, too, there was an erosion of constituency members' authority. Prior to winning power in 1997, roughly half of those constitency parties in winnable seats, but without a sitting Labour MP, were ordered the the National Executive Committee to chose candidates from all-women shortlists.
(1) Briefly explain the term candidate selection used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, asses the extent to which New Labour adopted policies from previous Conservative governments. [10 marks]
(3) Analyse the view that power inside both the Conservative and Labour parties is now concentrated in their respective leaderships. [25 marks]
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GOV1d - Electoral Systems
There are 129 members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Elections to the Parliament operate under a form of additional member systems (AMS). Electors cast two votes: one for the MSP who will represent their constituency; and one for their preferred party. The MSPs elected in the 73 single-member constituencies are chosen under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. The 56 seats awarded on the basis of party support are chosen under a regional party list system designed to 'top-up' those parties that have been disadvantaged by the system used in the constituency contests.
(1) Explain the term 'first-past-the-post' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, outline the likely consequences of adopting the additional member system (AMS) in UK general elections. [10 marks]
(3) Analyse the arguments in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system for elections to the House of Commons. [25 marks]
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GOV1e- Low Turnout and Voter Apathy
One of the most obvious ways in which an individual can participate within a political system is by casting a vote. Turnout figures are, therefore, one measure of political particiaption.
Though low turnout in the 2001 (59.4%) and 2005 (61.5%) General Elections caused widespread concern, these national turnout figures masked massive variataions between one constituency and another. In 2005, for example, turnout ranged from 41.4% (Liverpool Riverside) to 80.2% (West Tyrone). Furthermore, voters are more likely to turn out when they feel that their vote will make a difference or where they value the institution to which candidates are seeking election.
We should also remember that falling turnout is not necessarily a sign that people are less politically engaged or active than they once were. As Norrena Hertz remarked in The Independent in June 2001, 'Its not about apathy...while voting is waning, other forms of political expression are on the rise'.
(1) Explain the term 'constituency' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, identify and explain two reasons why turnout at General Elections has fallen since the 1997 General Election. [10 marks]
(3) 'The election campaign is now the major factor in determining voting behaviour.' Discuss. [25 marks]
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GOV1f - The End of Ideology?
The evidence given to the Power Inquiry was that the main parties were not distinctive enough, particularly in their core economic policies. Their policies were guided by the search for votes from the centre-ground rather than deeply held values.
Lord Rennard, Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats, claimed that, '[In] the 1980s you had three clear choices and you had firece competition between different parties... the changes Labour made in the 1990s, when they dedcided to move onto a much more conservative agenda, [saw] the gap between Labour and Conservative parties suddenly greatly reduced.'
Ken Richie, Director of the Electoral Reform Society, asserted that, 'We've had a watering down of ideology so that there's not so much differentiation between the parties. [Voters] look at the parties and they actually don't see that the choice is going to make a great deal of difference to them.'
(1) Explain the term ideology used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, consider the extent to which the gap between the policies of the Labour and Conservative parties has been 'greatly reduced since the mid-1990's'. [10 marks]
(3) 'UK political parties no longer perform the role of representing the interests of their members, nor do they provide genuine opportunities for political participation.' Discuss. [25 marks]
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GOV1g - Direct Action
Direct action refers to the act of deliberately campaigning outside the normal decision-making process and targeting the public, rather than the policy makers. By acting in this fashion, direct action groups hope to change public attitudes, which they believe will lead to more fundamental changes in society than merely though enacting individal pieces of legislation.
There has been a marked increase in the numbers of outsider groups using such tactics since the start of the 1990s (eg hunt saboteurs, campaigners agianst live animal exports, roads protestors, Fathers4Justice). This rise in direct action has resulted in part from their failure in using more traditional methods, though it has also been facilitated by other factors such as the rise of new technology.
(1) Explain the term 'outsider groups' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, identify and explain two reasons why direct action has been on the increase in recent years. [10 marks]
(3) Evaluate the factors that can result in some pressure groups being more successful than others. [25 marks]
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GOV1h - Pressure Groups and Democracy
Pressure groups can strengthen representation by focusing on particular interests or concerns that may sometimes be overlooked by politicans. For example, they may campaign on behalf of the homeless or those suffering mental health problems. Such areas are not 'vote-winners' with the wider electorate and so may not receive the support they need from elected politicians. Pressure group pluralism also strengthens democracy in so far as a massive number of groups represent the diversity of values and interests found in wider society. The result is that the pressure groups ensure that power is widely distributed so that no single group can dominate the others. Some are more cautious and argue that pressure group activity need not strengthen democracy because some groups are much stronger than others. For example, anti-road protestors have proved little match for the pro-road lobby of hauliers, engineers and the bankers behind them.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'pressure group pluralism' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, examine how far the resources available to a pressure group are likely to influence its impact on government policy making. [10 marks]
(3) A cabinet minister once described pressure groups as creatures which strangle efficient government. Discuss how justified this view of pressure groups is today. [25 marks]
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Past questions - students may need to follow the link - http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/humanities/gov_politics_materials.php?id=10&prev=10
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GOV2a - Prime ministerial or cabinet government?
Prime Ministerial Government: The powers of the PM are considerable - There are no constitutional limits to the power of the PM - The Prime Minister is at the centre of mass media attention.
Cabinet Government: Modern government is now so complicated that one person cannot possibly control all key decisions - Important party factions need to be represented in the cabinet - The Prime Minister has powerful and ambitious rivals for office.
(1) Explain the term 'Cabinet' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, examine TWO arguments supporting the view that the UK has cabinet government. [10 marks]
(3) 'The powers of the Prime Minister are considerable.' Discuss. [25 marks]
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GOV2b - The British Constitution
It is customary to classify constitutions according to whether they are written or unwritten; flexible or inflexible; unitary or federal. Britain's constitution is widely described as unwritten in the sense that it is not contained in a single authoritative document, although substantial parts of it are in fact written. However, some consitutional reformers have argued the need for a written constitution, and it is possible that some of the constitutional reforms now in progress may eventually require codification of Britain's rule of government. It is also sometimes argued that a 'separation of powers' in Britain would help define and check the powers of government.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'flexible' as used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain how a separation of powers in Britain might help to check the powers of government. [10 marks]
(3) 'There is no convincing case for a written constitution in Britain.' Discuss. [25 marks]
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GOV2c - The Roles of Parliament
Parliamentary sovereignty is a long established principal in Britain, although today is exists more in theory than in practice. However, Parliament has many roles, an important one is the redress of citizens' grievances. The most traditional route for citizens seeking redress of grievance is through their elected representatives. For example, MP's may be able to secure satisfaction for constituents by pursuing the matter in Parliament, such as asking a parliamentary question or having the matter debated in the House of Commons. In such cases the 'responsible' minister comes before Parliament and must answer for the government's actions.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'redress of grievances' used in the passage. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, examine the importance of TWO of parliament's major roles. [10 marks]
(3) Discuss the view that today parliamentary sovereignty 'exists more in theory than in practice'. [25 marks]
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GOV2d - The Role of an MP
An MP has many roles. The the most basic level, an MP is a representative; but who, or what, does an MP actually represent: Constituency, party, sponsor, pressure group? MPs are elected under party labels although the primary relationship is between MPs and their constituencies. Often this is unproblematic, as when MPs raise constituency matters at Prime Minister's Questions. At other times, however, it may cause a conflict of roles for MPs. For example, many Labour MPs were opposed to the Iraq war, as were their constituents, whereas the party leadership supported it. On this, and other issues such as student tuition fees, may Labour MPs refused to toe the party line. When an MP acts in this way there is a possibility that s/he may lose the party whip. Others voted with the party whip and ignored constituency pressures.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'Prime Minister's Questions' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why the threat of losing the party whip will usually persuade MPs to toe the party line. [10 marks]
(3) 'Parliament's most important function is to scrutinise and challenge the government, not to maintain it in office until the next general election.' Discuss. [25 marks]
GOV2e - The judiciary and the Political Process
Judicial independence is an essential feature of of democratic political systems. The judiciary's main roles are to intrepret the law, peacefully resolve disputes between individuals, try cases and punish wrongdoers. However, it is often been regarded as having limited interests to those who study politics. This has been particularly so in Britain where judges, unlike their counterparts in countries such as the USA, have traditionally not been called on to interpret the constitution. One of the reasons for this, of course, is the absence from the United Kingdom of a codified constitution such as that in almost all other countries. Nevertheless, in recent years, judges have become increasingly significant figures in the political system. This is a development that has aroused disquiet among some elected politicians who now see their policy-making role as being under threat.
(1) Explain the term 'judicial independence' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why the absence of a codified constitution in the UK has traditionally resulted in judges having a limited role in interpreting the consitution. [10 marks]
(3) 'Recent constitutional developments have led to an increasingly political role for judges.' Discuss. [25 marks]
GOV2f - Constraints on the Prime Minister
Many observers of the British politcial system have advanced the claim that the British Prime Minister is becoming too powerful. It is a view, moreover, that has been applied particularly to a number of recent Prime Ministers. This view, however, does not stand up to close examination. The Prime Minister cannot simply impose his or her policies on ministerial colleagues and their civil servants. In fact, the Prime Minister's ability to control government policy making is very limited indeed., and then operates largely as a veto. Departmental ministers are relatively autonomous in the development of policy and, while the Prime Minster can veto a policy in a cabinet committee or the full cabinet, it is very difficult for him or her to force minsters to adopt a policy against their will.
(1) Explain the term 'civil servants ' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, identify and explain two reasons why the Prime Minister's power to influence policy making is limited. [10 marks]
(3) 'Under the pressures of modern government, the Cabinet tends merely to 'rubber-stamp' decisions made elsewhere.' Discuss. [25 marks]
GOV2g - Tiers of Government
In Britain, multi-level governance is now a reality. As well as elected local government, we now have devolution. In 1997, Labour's manifesto promised referendums on establishing a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly. However, when these bodies were subsequently established, they were considered by many reformers as only a first step. Very few observers supposed that the reforms would actually rest there, especially because the various parts of Britain were treated so differently. There was, for a start, the difference in powers between the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament, while England recieved nothing at all.
Yet another source of contraversy surrounds the representation of Wales and Scotland at Westminster. In this piecemeal and evolutionary manner the United Kingdom appears to be edging very gradually towards a federal system.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'local government' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why, following devolution, there is contraversy about the representation of Scotland at Westminster. [10 marks]
(3) 'Devolution has resulted in a genuine dispersal of political power in Britain.' Discuss. [25 marks]
GOV2h- Multi-level Governance
In the UK today multi-level government is a reality. The time has long passed when it was possible to understand the workings of the UK system of government and politics with reference only to Whitehall, Westminster, and elected local councils. Beyond this the workings of the Euopean Union and the emerging system of devolved government are now intergal parts of the system. In important respects, therefore, it now makes sense to discuss the UK in terms of multi-level governance. The European Parliament, however, is a relatively weak body, with limited powers to check the Commission and the Council of Ministers. The latter, although unelected, is the real decision-making body of the EU, and UK Cabinet ministers participate continously in its work.
(1) Briefly explain the term 'elected local councils' used in the extract. [5 marks]
(2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain the statement 'in the UK today mult-level governance is a reality'. [10 marks]
(3) 'The European Council of Ministers is the real decision-making body of the EU.' Discuss. [25 marks]
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