Democracy in the United Kingdom

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Trade unions
2. One method used by trade unions to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a strike. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
3. One method used by trade unions to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a strike. A strike is when union members withdraw their labour to show how strongly they feel about an issue. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
4. Pressure groups
5. One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a protest. This will gain media attention and raise public awareness for the group’s cause. For example, Greenpeace UK abseiled from the Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to Grangemouth. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Trade unions
2. work to rule
3. go slow
4. overtime ban
5. protests
6. media campaigns.
7. Pressure groups
8. lobby representatives
9. media campaigns
10. direct action
11. petitions.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in the UK is because they believe it is their right. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in the UK is because they believe it is their right. In a democracy people have a number of rights that mean they can freely participate in politics by protesting and voting. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in the UK is because they believe it is their right. In a democracy people have a number of rights that mean they can freely participate in politics by protesting and voting. For example, 60% of people in the UK took part in the 2024 General Election. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in the UK is because they believe it is their right. In a democracy people have a number of rights that mean they can freely participate in politics by protesting and voting. For example, 60% of people in the UK took part in the 2024 General Election. People believe that participation is important to make sure they have a voice and that the government listens to their views. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. interested in politics — politically active
2. age — older people
3. knowledgeable — politically literate
4. hold the government to account
5. have role models
6. feel strongly about an issue or cause.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through the House of Lords and the House of Commons. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords can debate, amend and vote on bills. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords can debate, amend and vote on bills. For example, the House of Lords defeated the government several times on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. proposing new legislation
2. holding the government to account
3. scrutinising government policy
4. reports on public policy.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. These are ideas for new laws which a small number of MPs each session get to introduce. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. These are ideas for new laws which a small number of MPs each session get to introduce. For example, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald introduced a Private Members' Bill to ban unpaid work trials after a local constituent brought it to his attention. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. taking part in debates
2. PMQTs
3. voting on new laws
4. select committee membership.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with them or use it as a way of holding ministers to account. (3 marks — accurate point with development and analysis)
4. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with them or use it as a way of holding ministers to account. For example, Rishi Sunak sacked Suella Braverman after she spoke out publicly in the press about police bias. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. attend international meetings such as NATO summits
2. meeting with international leaders and Heads of State
3. formulate government policy
4. leader of the largest political party in parliament
5. executive authority of the armed forces.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. This is because the candidate with most votes wins the constituency election. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. This is because the candidate with most votes wins the constituency election. For example, in 2024 Gordon McKee (MP) won the constituency of Glasgow South as he secured 4,154 more votes than the next most popular candidate. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One disadvantage of First Past the Post is that it is not proportional. This is because the percentage of votes does not equal the percentage of seats that a party secures. For example, in 2024 the Labour Party secured 33.7% of the votes but were awarded around 64% of the seats. This occurred because the party was able to win 411 constituencies across the UK. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Advantages
2. results known quickly
3. straightforward system for voters to use
4. normally results in stable governments being formed
5. reduces likelihood of extremist parties gaining power
6. maintains a strong MP/constituency link.
7. Disadvantages
8. limited choice
9. puts small parties off standing
10. safe seats — voters have less influence on outcome
11. tactical voting is an issue
12. public support for FPTP decreasing.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One political right individuals have is the right to vote. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One political right individuals have is the right to vote. Individuals can vote in elections and referendums. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One political right individuals have is the right to vote. Individuals can vote in elections and referendums. For example, the 2019 general election. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. right to stand as a candidate
2. right to protest
3. right to join a political party
4. right to join a pressure group.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One reserved matter the UK Parliament is responsible for is defence. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reserved matter the UK Parliament is responsible for is defence. They are responsible for decisions in relation to the military and where troops are deployed. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reserved matter the UK Parliament is responsible for is defence. They are responsible for decisions in relation to the military and where troops are deployed. For example, the UK Government's decision to continue to fund the Trident nuclear programme. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. immigration
2. benefits and social security
3. foreign policy
4. nuclear power.

TRADE UNIONS

1. Trade unions are influential because they can have large memberships. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Trade unions are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives a trade union access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Trade unions are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives a trade union access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. For example, Unison has over 1.3 million members who pay annual memberships. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Trade unions are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives a trade union access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. For example, Unison has over 1.3 million members who pay annual memberships. This enabled Unison to be successful in improving pay and conditions for around 1,800 cleaners, receptionists and security staff in a number of London hospitals. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following (trade unions):

1. industrial action
2. insider group
3. lobbying
4. use of media platforms.

PRESSURE GROUPS

1. Pressure groups are influential because they can have large memberships. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Pressure groups are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives pressure groups access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Pressure groups are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives pressure groups access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. For example, the RSPB has over one million members in the UK. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Pressure groups are influential because they can have large memberships. This gives pressure groups access to large amounts of resources for campaigning. For example, the RSPB has over one million members in the UK. This enables them to have significant campaigns in relation to nature and the climate crisis. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following (pressure groups):

1. national campaign
2. insider group
3. lobbying
4. use of media platforms.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. They can debate, amend and vote on bills. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One way the House of Lords plays an important role in the UK Parliament is through scrutinising bills. For most bills to become law they must pass through both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. They can debate, amend and vote on bills. For example, the House of Lords scrutinised recent legislation around the future funding of the BBC. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. scrutinising government policy
2. proposing new legislation
3. holding the government to account
4. reports on public policy.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One feature of First Past the Post is that it is easy to understand. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One feature of First Past the Post is that it is easy to understand. Voters simply mark an ‘X’ next to the candidate of their choice. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One feature of First Past the Post is that it is easy to understand. Voters simply mark an ‘X’ next to the candidate of their choice. For example, in the Glasgow South constituency, voters had six candidates to choose from and Stewart McDonald won more votes than any other candidate. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. results are known quickly
2. produces disproportionate results
3. creates a two-horse race
4. normally produces a majority government
5. creates marginal/safe seats
6. liked by voters.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way individuals can participate in election campaigns is by canvassing. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way individuals can participate in election campaigns is by canvassing. Traditionally, supporters of a party would go door to door looking to generate support for their favoured candidate or party. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way individuals can participate in election campaigns is by canvassing. Traditionally, supporters of a party would go door to door looking to generate support for their favoured candidate or party. For example, a member of the Conservative Party might have canvassed for Douglas Ross, within the constituency of Moray, during the 2019 general election. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. poster in window to show support
2. retweet/share social media post
3. donate money to a campaign
4. promote policies using car/loudspeaker
5. join a political party
6. become a party activist
7. leafleting.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. The media is influential within a democracy because they hold the government to account. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The media is influential within a democracy because they hold the government to account. TV, newspapers and radio are free to report on, and criticise the actions of the government. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The media is influential within a democracy because they hold the government to account. TV, newspapers and radio are free to report on, and criticise the actions of the government. For example, the UK media were critical of the UK Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. The media is influential within a democracy because they hold the government to account. TV, newspapers and radio are free to report on, and criticise the actions of the government. For example, the UK media were critical of the UK Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the government must be ready to answer for any actions or policy failures that are reported. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. provides easy access to representatives — social media
2. educate the public on important issues
3. stimulates public debate on issues of importance
4. promotes participation in the decision-making process
5. measures public opinion.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with and support their ideas. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with and support their ideas. For example, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor in October 2022. (3 marks — accurate point with development and)
4. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with and support their ideas. For example, then Prime Minister Liz Truss appointed Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor in 2022. This meant they had to work closely together on matters relating to finance and as a cabinet member he supported the Prime Minister in public. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. attend international meetings on behalf of the government
2. meets with international leaders and Heads of State
3. strategic policy direction
4. leader of the largest party in the House of Commons
5. executive authority of the armed forces.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. One key feature of a democracy is voting. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One key feature of a democracy is voting. In the UK, people can vote for their MP to represent them in Parliament. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One key feature of a democracy is voting. In the UK, people can vote for their MP to represent them in Parliament. For example, in 2019 the constituents of Falkirk voted for John McNally to be their constituency MP. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. right to free speech
2. right to protest
3. freedom of the media
4. independent judiciary
5. organised opposition parties.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. One-way MPs represent their constituents is by asking a question at Prime Minister's Questions. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One-way MPs represent their constituents is by asking a question at Prime Minister's Questions. This allows MPs to hold the Government to account. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One-way MPs represent their constituents is by asking a question at Prime Minister's Questions. This allows MPs to hold the Government to account. For example, Keir Starmer asked Boris Johnson about the removal of the £20 Universal Credit uplift. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. attend meetings with other local representatives/business leaders
2. participate in the work of Committees
3. respond to constituents' enquiries
4. take part in parliamentary debates
5. introduce a private members' bill
6. vote on new laws.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is simple to understand. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is simple to understand. This is because the winner of each constituency election is the candidate with the most votes. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is simple to understand. This is because the winner of each constituency election is the candidate with the most votes. For example, Stewart McDonald MP (Glasgow South) was elected in 2019 with 22,829 votes. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is simple to understand. This is because the winner of each constituency election is the candidate with the most votes. For example, Stewart McDonald MP (Glasgow South) was elected in 2019 with 22,829 votes. This was 9,000 votes more than the candidate in second place, Johann Lamont who gained 13,824 votes. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following — Advantages

1. results are known relatively quickly
2. straightforward system means voters not confused
3. normally results in stable governments being formed
4. reduces likelihood of extremist parties gaining office
5. its use is supported by the public — voted no change in an Alternative Vote referendum
6. strong MP/constituency link.

Credit reference to aspects of the following — Disadvantages

1. not proportional
2. limited choice
3. wasted votes
4. not fair on small parties
5. possible for party to form majority government on minority of the popular vote
6. many won't vote for smaller parties in a safe seat.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. Some people are less likely than others to participate in politics in the UK because they believe their voice does not count. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Some people are less likely than others to participate in politics in the UK because they believe their voice does not count. This can be because they live in safe seat areas and are put off participating in elections because the same party wins all the time. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Some people are less likely than others to participate in politics in the UK because they believe their voice does not count. This can be because they live in safe seat areas and are put off participating in elections because the same party wins all the time. For example, Liverpool Walton is the safest seat in Britain with a Labour majority of 30,520 votes. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Some people are less likely than others to participate in politics in the UK because they believe their voice does not count. This can be because they live in safe seat areas and are put off participating in elections because the same party wins all the time. For example, Liverpool Walton is the safest seat in Britain with a Labour majority of 30,520 votes. Therefore, anyone in this constituency who does not support Labour may feel it is a waste of time to participate in elections as it would be very difficult for another party to overturn this majority. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. lack of interest in politics
2. lack of knowledge about politics — political illiterate
3. disillusionment in political system
4. age — too young
5. distrust of politicians
6. doesn't think participation makes a difference
7. lack of role models — race and gender.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One role of the Prime Minister is to give public information briefings during a pandemic. (1 mark — accurate but underdeveloped point)
2. One role of the Prime Minister is to give public information briefings during a pandemic. From March 2020, Boris Johnson has been giving regular briefings on the coronavirus. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One role of the Prime Minister is to give public information briefings during a pandemic. From March 2020, Boris Johnson has been giving regular briefings on the coronavirus. This has informed the public in relation to confirmed cases, numbers of deaths related to the disease and measures being introduced to try and prevent further spread of the virus. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. leader of the Government
2. implementation and presentation of government policies
3. chairs the Cabinet
4. oversees the operation of the Civil Service
5. represents the UK overseas.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Women are underrepresented in the UK Parliament because they may have caring responsibilities to deal with. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Women are underrepresented in the UK Parliament because they may have caring responsibilities to deal with. Women, with children, are often the main carer and might find it difficult working in London depending on where they live in the UK. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Women are underrepresented in the UK Parliament because they may have caring responsibilities to deal with. Women, with children, are often the main carer and might find it difficult working in London depending on where they live in the UK. For example, a single female parent, living in Aberdeen with young children may find it extremely difficult to manage a family and a career as an MP given the travelling to and from London as well as finding suitable childcare. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Women are underrepresented in the UK Parliament because they may have caring responsibilities to deal with. Women, with children, are often the main carer and might find it difficult working in London depending on where they live in the UK. For example, a single female parent, living in Aberdeen with young children may find it extremely difficult to manage a family and a career as an MP given the travelling to and from London as well as finding suitable childcare. The underrepresentation is clearly evident with only 34% of MPs being female in March 2020. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. less likely to stand as candidates
2. culture of politics/parliament
3. selection process
4. sexist attitudes
5. lack of role models
6. self-esteem/confidence issue
7. other opportunities
8. working conditions.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. People may wish to join a pressure group because they are interested in the cause. (1 mark — accurate but underdeveloped point)
2. People may wish to join a pressure group because they are interested in the cause. They may want to support the group to influence the government and/or public. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. People may wish to join a pressure group because they are interested in the cause. They may want to support the group to influence the government and/or public. For example, a person who felt strongly about climate change might join Greenpeace and pay the minimum £2 monthly membership to support the pressure groups activities. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Some people may join a trade union because they believe it will protect them in their workplace. If the trade union members were unhappy with an issue in their workplace, they could ask their trade union to help resolve the issue. For example, during the coronavirus pandemic the trade union, UNISON, began a campaign ‘PPE not Promises’ to make sure their members had the correct PPE equipment to keep them safe. Many NHS and care workers were worried about the shortage and quality of PPE available which meant they did not feel safe at work. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Pressure groups:
2. to participate in pressure group actions
3. to offer support
4. to provide financial assistance
5. to improve chances of success
6. influenced by pressure group campaigns
7. peer influence
8. social media activities.
9. Trade unions:
10. to improve wages
11. to improve working conditions
12. financial benefits
13. to participate within union democracy
14. influence of colleagues.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Pressure groups try to influence the UK Government by having a demonstration. [1 mark for an accurate but undeveloped point]
2. Trades Unions can try to influence the Government by going on strike, for example NHS doctors have threatened industrial action. [2 marks for a single point plus relevant example]
3. Newspapers can try to influence the Government by printing stories that are very critical of the Government. Bad publicity can make the Government unpopular, for example when some newspapers criticised the Government for trying to bring in the ‘pasty tax’ and the Government changed their mind. [3 marks for a developed point with exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following: Pressure Groups

1. Demonstrations/protest, eg recent protests outside the House of Commons concerning student fees.
2. Petitions—including e-petitions.
3. Actions to attract media attention, eg Greenpeace campaign against whaling.
4. Lobbying—contacting elected members of the parliament in order to try to gain their support. This can be done by pressure groups themselves or they may employ advisors, ie professional lobbyists. Also mass lobbying.
5. Direct action—disruptive and often illegal forms of protest, eg the Faslane peace camp, hunt saboteurs, anti-abortion groups.

Trades Unions

1. Industrial action such as strikes, work to rule, overtime bans. This may be especially effective in the public sector, eg strike action by NHS doctors.
2. Demonstrations/protest—recent demonstrations organised by teaching unions.
3. Actions to attract media attention, eg blockades of petrol depots.

The Media

1. Newspapers supporting/opposing campaigns by pressure groups, eg support of some newspapers for a referendum over Europe.
2. Newspapers supporting/opposing a particular political party during election campaigns, eg the traditional Labour versus Tory split in the press.
3. Newspapers highlighting what they see as Government incompetence/achievements, eg Chief Whip incident with police officers.
4. Broadcast media strictly controlled by legislation so cannot attempt to influence the Government.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. An advantage of FPTP is that it is easy for voters to understand. [1 mark]
2. An advantage of the first past the post system is that it provides a clear winner in each constituency as a simple majority is all that is needed. [2 marks—developed point]
3. A disadvantage of FPTP is that many voters in safe seats feel that their vote is worthless. For example, a Labour supporter in a safe Conservative constituency may not bother voting as Labour have very little chance of winning in that seat. [3 marks—well developed point]
4. A disadvantage of FPTP is that in safe constituencies the parties have a lot of power in choosing the MP. For example, in a safe Labour seat like Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Labour majority 23,000) it may not matter who the local Labour party chooses as their candidate as the party has such a large majority. Many voters always vote for the same party. This suggests that local party activists effectively choose the MP and not local voters. Marginal constituencies actually provide voters with more power, eg Edinburgh South which has a Labour majority of 300. [4 marks—developed points with some detail, analysis and exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following: Advantages

1. Straightforward system means voters not confused which may make voters feel part of the democratic process and encourage participation.
2. Directly elected representative—one per constituency. MPs can be held directly accountable by constituents.
3. Usually a quick result is achieved which avoids the uncertainty of some PR systems.
4. Extremist parties such as the BNP have very little chance of gaining representation.

Disadvantage

1. Not proportional so many voters feel their votes are wasted, eg Labour supporter in a safe Conservative seat.
2. Encourages electorate to vote tactically. This adversely affects the democratic nature of the process.
3. Many MPs elected on a minority of the vote, ie winner takes all.
4. Possible for party to form majority government on minority of the popular vote.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. The UK Parliament is responsible for the matter of defence. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The UK Parliament is responsible for the matter of defence. This means that the UK Parliament makes decisions about how best to protect the UK against terrorist attacks. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The UK Parliament is responsible for the matter of defence. This means that the UK Parliament makes decisions about how best to protect the UK against terrorist attacks. For example, the UK Parliament passed the 2015 Counter Terrorism and Security Act which prevents individuals travelling abroad to engage in terrorist activities. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. the constitution
2. benefits and Social Security
3. employment
4. immigration
5. foreign policy
6. equal opportunities
7. broadcasting.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. Individuals have the right to vote in a democracy. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Individuals have the right to vote in a democracy. Individuals can vote in elections or referendums. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Individuals have the right to vote in a democracy. Individuals can vote in elections or referendums. For example, 32 million individuals voted in the 2017 general election. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. the right to a fair trial
2. the right to privacy
3. the right to vote
4. the right to education and healthcare
5. the right to join a pressure group
6. the right to join a political party
7. the right to protest
8. the right to lobby a representative
9. freedom of expression
10. freedom of religion or conscience
11. freedom of assembly
12. freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and slavery.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. Political parties use the media during election campaigns because it allows the party to spread their election message. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Political parties use the media during election campaigns because it allows the party to spread their election message. Using traditional media and social media allows political parties to reach millions of voters to tell them about their manifesto promises. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Political parties use the media during election campaigns because it allows the party to spread their election message. Using traditional media and social media allows political parties to reach millions of voters to tell them about their manifesto promises. For example, the BBC leaders' TV debate during the 2017 general election campaign was watched by an average of 3·5 million viewers. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Political parties use the media during election campaigns because it allows the party to spread their election message. Using traditional media and social media allows political parties to reach millions of voters to tell them about their manifesto promises. For example, the BBC leaders' TV debate during the 2017 general election campaign was watched by an average of 3·5 million viewers. The five leaders who took part debated issues such as health, education and Brexit with the aim of persuading voters to cast their vote in favour of their party. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. engage with younger voters via social media platforms
2. use of 'attack' advertising to discredit opposition
3. create publicity for the campaign message via soundbites
4. Party Election Broadcasts (PEBs) promote manifesto pledges to voters
5. printed press allegiance supports campaign at expense of other parties
6. mobilise grassroot supporters via social media to organise local campaigns
7. deliver campaign messages to those unable to be reached through traditional methods, such as canvassing, to attempt to increase turnout.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. MPs can represent their constituents in the UK Parliament by asking a question at Prime Minister's Question Time. (1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point)
2. MPs can represent their constituents in the UK Parliament by asking a question at Prime Minister's Question Time. PMQT takes place every Wednesday at midday. (2 marks – accurate point with development)
3. MPs can represent their constituents in the UK Parliament by asking a question at Prime Minister's Question Time. PMQT takes place every Wednesday at midday. Recently, SNP MP Alison Thewliss asked a question around personal independence payments. (3 marks – accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. taking part in a debate in the House of Commons
2. proposing a Private Members' Bill within the Commons
3. voting on new or changes to existing laws
4. working/membership of a Select Committee
5. asking a question at Question Time.

PRESSURE GROUPS

1. One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a petition. (1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a petition. Recently many petitions have been organised online using sites such as 'change.org'. (2 marks - accurate point with development)
3. One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a petition. If a petition obtains more than 100,000 signatures, then the government is obliged to consider debating the issue in the House of Commons, such as the debate held over President Trump's state visit to the UK which received 1·5 million signatures. (3 marks – accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Credit reference to aspects of the following:
5. organise a protest/demonstration
6. lobby a representative such as an MP, MSP or Councillor
7. leaflet/poster campaigns
8. take 'direct action'
9. organise a social media campaign.

TRADE UNIONS

1. One method used by trade unions to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a demonstration. (1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One method used by trade unions to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a demonstration. Trade unions often organise demonstrations to draw the government's attention to their members' concerns. (2 marks – accurate point with development)
3. One method used by trade unions to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a demonstration. Trade unions often organise demonstrations to draw the government's attention to their members' concerns. For example, the UNITE union organised a national demonstration in March 2017 to highlight their concerns for the NHS using the slogan 'Our NHS, no cuts, no closures, no privatisation'. (3 marks – accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. lobbying a representative such as an MP, MSP or Councillor
5. leaflet/poster campaigns
6. taking industrial action eg work-to-rule/overtime ban/strike
7. organising a social media campaign
8. negotiations with employer.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. People choose not to vote because they don't identify with one of the main political parties. (1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point)
2. People choose not to vote because they don't identify with one of the main political parties. They view the party policies as being very similar eg in 2017 both Labour and Conservative pledged to build one million homes. (3 marks - accurate point with development and exemplification)
3. People choose not to vote because they don't identify with one of the main political parties. They view the party policies as being very similar eg in 2017 both Labour and Conservative pledged to build one million homes. This may have contributed to around one in three people choosing not to vote. (4 marks - accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. basic right not to vote
2. voter apathy
3. have not registered
4. safe seats
5. lack of trust in MPs/political system
6. lack of role models
7. alternative outlets for participation eg pressure groups.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they are the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons. (1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they are the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons. In 2017, Theresa May was returned as Prime Minister with 318 MPs. (2 marks – accurate point with development)
3. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they are the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons. In 2017, Theresa May was returned as Prime Minister with 318 MPs. This was more than any other party and allows the Prime Minister to implement government legislation eg Brexit. (4 marks – accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. power of appointment – hiring and firing ministers
2. honours list
3. Executive head
4. chairing the Cabinet and setting the Cabinet agenda
5. media attention
6. relationships with foreign leaders.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. People in the UK have the right to vote in elections. (1 mark – accurate but undeveloped point)
2. People in the UK have the right to vote in elections such as the General Election. (2 marks – accurate with development)
3. People in the UK have the right to vote in elections such as the General Election. For example, the last General Election was held in May 2015 when the Conservative Party won 331 seats in the House of Commons, allowing them to form the government. (3 marks – accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Right to free speech
2. Right to protest
3. Right to join a group (pressure group, trade union or political party)
4. Right to lobby a representative
5. Right to organise/sign a petition.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. Some political parties’ election campaigns are successful because of their use of social media. (1 mark accurate but undeveloped)
2. Some political parties’ election campaigns are successful because of their use of social media. This allows them to reach a large number of voters and tell them about their policies. (2 marks accurate with development)
3. Some political parties’ election campaigns are successful because of their use of social media. This allows them to reach a large number of voters and tell them about their policies. Most political parties now have Facebook and Twitter pages. For example, the Conservatives have over 220,000 followers on Twitter. (4 marks accurate with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Party membership
2. Party funding
3. Use of other media, eg television, radio
4. Support of the printed press
5. Party image
6. Party leader
7. Constituency party activists.

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. Political parties can campaign during a General Election by canvassing. [1 mark]
2. Political parties can campaign during a General election by canvassing. Canvassing gives parties the opportunity to go door to door to speak with the public in an attempt to increase voter awareness of the party. [2 marks—developed point]
3. Political parties can campaign during a General Election by canvassing. Canvassing gives parties the opportunity to go door to door to speak with the public in an attempt to increase voter awareness of the party. This may secure more votes for the party as the canvassers will outline and explain the party policies to be implemented once elected. [3 marks—developed point with detail and analysis]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Use of the media – newspapers, PEBs, TV Debates, Social Media
2. Leafleting
3. Posters
4. Holding a public meeting/rally
5. Publishing a manifesto
6. Use of celebrities to gain media attention and support from voters

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. One disadvantage of FPTP is that small parties are underrepresented. [1 mark]
2. One disadvantage of FPTP is that small parties are underrepresented because the percentage of seats which a party wins in Parliament does not represent the percentage of votes they win in the election. [2 marks – developed point]
3. One disadvantage of FPTP is that small parties are underrepresented because the percentage of seats which a party wins in Parliament does not represent the percentage of votes they win in the election. In the 2015 General Election, UKIP got 12.6% of the votes (almost four million votes) and 1 seat [3 marks – developed point with exemplification]
4. One disadvantage of FPTP is that small parties are underrepresented because the percentage of seats which a party wins in Parliament does not represent the percentage of votes they win in the election. In the 2015 General Election, UKIP got 12.6% of the votes (almost four million votes) and 1 seat. This is unfair and is a reason why some people believe that FPTP is undemocratic and as a result, do not vote. [4 marks - developed point with exemplification and analysis]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. If party support is spread out and not concentrated in a constituency, parties will find it very difficult to get any MPs elected
2. Tactical voting is possible
3. There are no prizes for second place
4. In safe seats parties have a great power to choose the MP
5. Many won't vote for smaller parties in a safe seat
6. Strong government isn't always good government
7. Political parties often target marginal seats and can be seen to ignore constituencies with safe seats

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. They examine government decisions. [1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point]
2. The Lords can delay government bills by a year if they disagree. [2 marks - accurate with development]
3. The Lords can contribute to government decision making as some of them can hold positions in the Cabinet and attend Cabinet meetings eg Baroness Stowell. Members of the House of Lords have been appointed to other government posts in recent years. [3 marks - accurate point with development and exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Provides detailed scrutiny and discussion of legislation due to experience and expertise of members.
2. Can amend or reject legislation (limited by Parliament Acts).
3. Can introduce bills (not money bills).
4. May be able to force government to rethink legislation or policy as opposition in the Lords is often bad publicity for the government.
5. Peers can be appointed as government ministers and some do attend full cabinet meetings.
6. Any other valid point that meets the criteria described in the general marking instructions for this kind of question (see column to left).

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. People may choose to use the media to influence people. [1 mark - accurate but undeveloped point]
2. People may join a trade union to protect their rights at work eg rail workers join the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT). [2 marks - accurate with development]
3. People may join a trade union to protect their rights at work eg rail workers join the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT). They might do this because they feel that they are not getting paid enough money and that the union will take action for them eg talking to their employers. [3 marks - accurate point with development and exemplification]
4. People may choose to join a pressure group such as Greenpeace because they are worried about the environment and they feel they can't make any difference on their own. Joining a pressure group means lots of people campaign together so they have more of an impact eg Greenpeace have 130,000 UK supporters, this gives them strength in numbers and increases their collective influence on the government. This makes them difficult to ignore. [4 marks - relevant accurate point with development, analysis and exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Pressure Groups
2. Believe strongly about an issue such as human rights, the environment.
3. Collective action more effective than individual.
4. Media pay more attention to organised pressure groups.
5. Pressure groups have experience of campaigning etc.
6. Seen as the best way to influence government in between elections.
7. Trades Unions
8. Protect rights at work eg health and safety, pay, holidays, pensions.
9. TU have experience negotiating with management.
10. TU have legal teams you can use.
11. The Media
12. Use them to get wider attention for an issue you care about eg newspapers are widely read.
13. Legal way to get attention for your cause.
14. Local and national appeal.
15. Use of different media types eg Facebook campaigns.
16. Any other relevant factual key point of knowledge that meets the criteria described in the general marking instructions for this kind of question (see column to left).

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. The UK Parliament has reserved powers in Scotland like defence and immigration. [1 mark for a list answer which lacks any detail]
2. One of the main reserved powers is the benefit system eg child benefit is the same in Edinburgh and London. [2 marks for a single point with an example]
3. The UK Parliament has a range of reserved powers which affect Scotland. One of these is defence. The UK government has power over the size and location of Scottish forces eg in 2013 Leuchars air base was reduced in size and changed to an army base. [3 marks for a developed point with exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. The power to make law
2. Immigration
3. Benefits & social security
4. Defence
5. Foreign policy
6. Nuclear power

Possible approaches to answering the question

1. People may feel it is their right to vote and that they should therefore use it. [1 mark for a limited answer which lacks any detail.]
2. Many people are members of political parties such as the Labour Party and so vote for their candidate. [2 marks for a single point with an example]
3. Many people in the UK feel that it is not only a right but also a responsibility that they should vote to uphold democracy. If many thousands of Scots decide not to vote then the result of an election may not be representative. Eg In 2010 approx one third of people didn't vote in the general election. If they had, the coalition may not have been necessary. [3 marks for a developed point with exemplification]

Credit reference to aspects of the following

1. Basic right in a democracy
2. People likely to participate in a General Election
3. Right denied to citizens elsewhere in the world
4. Desire to see own party succeed
5. Wish to ensure another party is not elected.
6. Right denied to women until early last century