Revision:Edexcel A Level Politics - How to Answer Unit 3 Questions

TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Politics > Edexcel A Level Politics - How to Answer Unit 3 Questions

How to answer Unit 3 Questions

First of all, according to Edexcel this is the AS that students do best on. The main reason, I believe, is that there is plenty of time compared to Units 1 and 2. Another factor is that you have what is Source in all but name. It jogs your memory (or for some of you who dozed through your final weeks of class it gives you some new ideas.) However, you will have just sprinted through Units 1 and 2, so your mind and your writing hand will be tiring.

There are four sub questions to answer a) (5 marks) b) (10) c) (15) and d (20). Grand total is 50 marks (x2 to give a percentage.)

Question (a)

This based purely on the text/source. You have to identify (probably) three points raised by the text and quote them.

Here’s an example with a mark scheme: (a) Using the source, what evidence is there that Britain still has a two-party system? (5)

In the 2001 general election, the main political parties gained three quarters of votes and 88% of seats. There was electoral stability similar to that of the 1950s and 1960s. Relatively few seats changed hands in this election and there was a very small electoral swing.

(4-5) should clearly explain three main features of Britain’s two-party system. (2-3) should show an awareness of at least two features of the two-party system. (0-1) will either identify one factor or will make little use of the source material.

You need about 5-6 lines and should try to knock this out in 5 minutes. Underlining the text is really helpful in this question.

Question (b)

This based on the text/source and your own knowledge. A 50 – 50 mix is good, a pure one or the other won’t get you full marks. You need to have at least elements of both. Personally I think you should try one of the following approaches:

1. Pick out three features of the text but you give your own explanation of why each is important.
2. Pick out 1 or 2 features of the text with its explanation, and add in the remainder using your own knowledge.

Take about 10 minutes on this and give it about 15 lines (about half a side.) Here’s an example with a mark scheme:

(b) Using the source and your own knowledge, what evidence is there that the two-party system is ‘dead’? (10)

There is now a large number large number of MPs (80) who are neither Labour nor Conservative MP’s. Both Labour and the Conservatives are the biggest losers in terms of votes and the backing of their traditional supporters. The dominance of Labour now appears similar to that of the Conservatives in the 1 980s leading once again to a ‘dominant party’ interpretation of the system. Another important factor is the rise of the Liberal Democrats, who in terms of seats are stronger than at any time since the war.

(7-10) will be able to explain three factors from the source and their own knowledge. (4-6) should clearly explain at least two factors from the source and one using their own knowledge. (0-3) should be able to identify one factor from the source or one factor from their own knowledge.

Before I go on to c) and d) – an important point to note: These two parts make up 70% of the Unit’s mark. If you can’t tackle both even moderately well, you risk blowing the Unit! That’s why I say study three themes (you should have a back up unless its the EU [YAWN!] If you can’t figure Tax raising powers of the Scottish Assembly – then look at the other question offered. Enough, let’s proceed...

Question (c)

Your own knowledge based on the broad theme (or an aspect of it.) This question comes in two main flavours:

i) Describe an aspect of the theme: (i.e) Tax Raising

OR

ii) The (dis)advantages of a major aspect of the theme.

Treat this as if it’s a Unit1 or 2 Part b (15 Mark question.) Try to raise at least three points but give yourself 15 minutes (instead of 12) to cover it.

Here’s an example with a mark scheme:

(c) How has the single-member plurality (‘first-past-the-post’) electoral system upheld two-party politics? (15)

The first-past-the-post electoral system has traditionally overemphasised Labour and Conservative support in the House of Commons by giving them a higher percentage of seats than the national percentage of the votes they achieved (although this has not applied to the Conservatives in the last two general elections).The system hurts some smaller parties such as the Liberal Democrats although other smaller parties fare better, the Scottish National Party for example. The result is that Westminster politics is carved up in such a way that the two political parties dominate the way parliamentary business is conducted. There are consequences on the media which then focus on the parties that dominate the seats in the House of Commons. The impact is magnified so that often the two largest parties are massively ahead of other parties in terms of seats, but not votes.

(11-15) will clearly explain three major ways in which the first-past-the-post electoral system has upheld two party-politics, with supporting evidence. (6-10) should explain at least two ways in which he first- past-f he-post electoral system has upheld two party-politics. (0-5) will explain one way in which he first-past-the-post electoral system has upheld two party-politics.

Question (d)

Finally d) c) Your own knowledge based on the broad theme (or an aspect of it.) This question also comes in two main flavours:

i) Describe a major aspect of the theme both pros and cons

OR

ii) The (dis)advantages of a major aspect of the theme. (The opposite of what you were asked in question c).)

Tackle this just like c) but raise four points at least and take about 20 minutes.

Again an example:

(d) What impact would proportional representation for Westminster elections have on British politics? (20)

Proportional representation refers to electoral systems which aim to deliver a close and reliable relationship between the votes gained by parties and the seats they win. The experiences of the other electoral systems currently used in some UK elections might give some idea of the impact proportional system would have for elections to Westminster. Such a system could increase the representation of smaller parties. Both the Green Party and UK Independence Party both achieved national representation for the first time after the European Parliamentary elections 1999, using the list system. There is the potential for the creation of coalition governments. Both the Scottish Parliament after 1999 and more recently in the National Assembly for Wales have seen this come about. There would be a fairer representation of opinion in Parliament if a proportional electoral system were used, in that parties such as the Liberal Democrats would have representation that reflects their popular support. Examples from either in the UK or abroad.

(14-20) should clearly explain three major implications of electoral reform for Westminster elections. (7-13) should explain two implications of electoral reform. (0-6) should explain one point.

All of this takes 50 minutes but you will need 5 minutes to read the passage and the questions. That leaves 5 minutes in case things go wrong or (shock, horror) you actually check your work.

This isn’t perfect as I’ve rewritten it in a hurry as I can’t find my original version. Please DO add your comments, criticisms etc. – it only helps me improve. Hope it helped, Liam.

Comments

These notes are aimed at people studying for Edexcel A Level Politics, module 3.

Originally submitted by Liamb on TSR Forums.

Vesta: fantastic guide. Many thanks!