2026 exam paper

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Pressure groups
2. One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is to organise a protest. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
3. 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. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
4. Trade unions
5. 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. For example, the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS) organised a number of targeted strikes in 2023 to back their ‘Pay Attent10n’ campaign for better pay for members. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

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

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in Scotland 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 Scotland 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 such as protesting and voting. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in Scotland 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 such as protesting and voting. For example, 53% of people in Scotland took part in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One reason why some people are more likely to participate in politics in Scotland 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 such as protesting and voting. For example, people in Scotland will be asked to vote in the next Scottish elections in May 2026. 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. Committees play an important role in the Scottish Parliament because they can conduct inquiries. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Committees play an important role in the Scottish Parliament because they can conduct inquiries. They can investigate a specific issue within their remit. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Committees play an important role in the Scottish Parliament because they can conduct inquiries. They can investigate a specific issue within their remit. This is important as they can call witnesses, such as government ministers, to give evidence. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. Committees play an important role in the Scottish Parliament because they can conduct inquiries. They can investigate a specific issue within their remit. This is important as they can call witnesses, such as government ministers, to give evidence. For example, the Criminal Justice Committee have recently called for views on the harm caused by substance misuse in Scottish prisons. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. committee bills
2. scrutinise bills
3. make recommendations/produce reports
4. consider petitions.

The dominant political party in Scotland after the election

1. Conclusion — The Labour Party were the dominant political party in Scotland after the general election. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — The Labour Party were the dominant political party in Scotland after the general election. Evidence — In Source 1, it states ‘The voters’ verdict on the SNP was damning with many switching their support back to the Labour Party’ and in Source 2 it shows that the Labour Party secured 37 of the Scottish seats, a significant improvement of 36 on the previous election, proving that they were the most dominant party by a sizeable margin. (3 marks — valid conclusion evidence from two sources and evaluative terminology)

The electoral performance of the Labour Party in 2024 compared to 2019

1. Conclusion — The Labour Party performed much better in the 2024 UK General Election compared to 2019. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — The Labour Party performed much better in the 2024 UK General Election compared to 2019. Evidence — In Source 1, it states that ‘These polls correctly predicted that Labour would win by a landslide’ and in Source 3 it shows that the Labour Party won 412 seats. This was a significant increase of 211 seats compared to 2019. (3 marks — valid conclusion evidence from two sources and evaluative terminology)

The electoral performance of the Conservative Party in 2024 compared to 2019

1. Conclusion — The Conservative Party performed extremely poorly in the 2024 UK General Election compared to 2019. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — The Conservative Party performed extremely poorly in the 2024 UK General Election compared to 2019. Evidence — In Source 1 it states that ‘The Conservatives, on the other hand, failed to retain power, winning less than a quarter of the vote.’ (2 marks — valid conclusion with evidence from one source)

The proportionality of the results of the election

1. Conclusion — The results produced by the 2024 UK General Election were unproportional. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — The results produced by the 2024 UK General Election were unproportional. Evidence — In Source 1 it states ‘Under FPTP, the number of seats a party wins does not always match the percentage of votes they receive. This means the system is not fully proportional’ and in Source 3 it shows that the Labour Party won 33.7% of the votes, which is less than half, but they were awarded 62.2% of the seats which is nearly two thirds of those available. This shows that the percentage of votes and seats were not equal. (3 marks — valid conclusion evidence from two sources and evaluative terminology)

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.

Evidence to support Lily Robertson's view that there should be a referendum on whether Australia becomes a republic:

1. Source 1 states 'They argue it is unfair to have a head of state who is not elected or an Australian citizen.' (1 mark — accurate use of Source 1 but minimal development)
2. Source 1 states 'They argue it is unfair to have a head of state who is not elected or an Australian citizen' which links to Source 3 where Shane says, 'We should be able to choose an Australian citizen instead of having a British King or Queen as the unelected head of state.' (2 marks — accurate use of Sources 1 and 3 linking two pieces of evidence)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Source 1 states 'He is not elected or appointed — he is the King and therefore head of state by birthright. Some Australians dislike this because King Charles III is British and lives in the UK.'
2. Source 1 says that 'public opinion research on this issue showed a wide range of views. Some people wanted Australia to become a republic and supported a referendum on the issue.'
3. Source 2 shows that those aged under 35 support Australia becoming a republic — 52% to 48%
4. Lucia in Source 3 states 'We should listen to the King who says we should be able to have a referendum if we want'
5. Masai in Source 3 states 'We should become a republic as this is what the younger generation, who are the future of Australia, want.'

Evidence to oppose Lily Robertson's view that there should be a referendum on whether Australia becomes a republic:

1. Source 1 states 'most people preferred Australia to remain as a constitutional monarchy.' (1 mark — accurate use of Source 1 but minimal development)
2. Source 1 states 'most people preferred Australia to remain as a constitutional monarchy' which links with Source 2 where the pie chart shows that 57% of those who were surveyed said they believe Australia should remain a monarchy. (2 marks — accurate use of Source 1 and Source 3 linking two pieces of evidence)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Source 1 states 'The last time Australians voted on this issue was in 1999, when they chose to keep the monarchy. Some believe this was a once-in-a-lifetime decision and that another referendum should not be held.'
2. Source 1 says that 'They argue that Australia should instead focus on current problems, such as unemployment and the cost of living.'
3. Source 2 shows that men, women, and those aged 35-49, 50-64 and 65+ are in favour of Australia remaining as a monarchy
4. in Source 3 Luke states 'We had a referendum in 1999, and we voted to remain a constitutional monarchy. We should not need to vote on this again'
5. in Source 3 Elira states 'We should be addressing important issues such as rising electricity costs rather than waste time debating whether Australia should become a republic or not.'
6. Alf in Source 3 says 'Australia being a constitutional monarchy and having the same head of state as the United Kingdom gives me a sense of security. This is the view of many older people like myself.'

TERRORISM

1. One consequence of terrorism on other countries and their governments is increased security costs. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of terrorism on other countries and their governments is increased security costs. Nations have to spend more money on border control, gathering intelligence and defence. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of terrorism on other countries and their governments is increased security costs. Nations have to spend more money on border control, gathering intelligence and defence. For example, countries in the European Union increased surveillance spending after attacks in France and Belgium. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. strained international relations
2. changes in foreign policy
3. rise of nationalism
4. impact on tourism and trade
5. military interventions
6. refugee and migration increase
7. islamophobia
8. public fear and anxiety.

UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

1. One consequence of underdevelopment on other countries and their governments is migration pressures. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of underdevelopment on other countries and their governments is migration pressures. People from underdeveloped countries often migrate in search of better opportunities, putting economic and social strain on the country they have migrated to. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of underdevelopment on other countries and their governments is migration pressures. People from underdeveloped countries often migrate in search of better opportunities, putting economic and social strain on the country they have migrated to. For example, migrants coming to the UK can place an extra burden on the NHS, housing and schools. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. regional instability
2. strained diplomatic relations
3. limited trade opportunities
4. dependence on foreign aid
5. organised crime/trafficking
6. peacekeeping
7. public health threats.

TERRORISM

1. One economic cause of terrorism is high levels of unemployment in certain areas. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One economic cause of terrorism is high levels of unemployment in certain areas. This can lead to frustration and often a search for meaning or belonging, especially among young people. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One economic cause of terrorism is high levels of unemployment in certain areas. This can lead to frustration and often a search for meaning or belonging, especially among young people. For example, in some regions of Africa and the Middle East, terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS have recruited from those living in poverty. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. poverty — lack of basic needs
2. wealth inequalities
3. poor infrastructure
4. financial incentives
5. lack of economic development.

CONFLICT IN UKRAINE

1. One economic cause of the conflict in Ukraine is the control over natural resources. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One economic cause of the conflict in Ukraine is the control over natural resources. Ukraine is strategically placed between Russia and Europe and has been a major transit route for gas and oil pipelines. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One economic cause of the conflict in Ukraine is the control over natural resources. Ukraine is strategically placed between Russia and Europe and has been a major transit route for gas and oil pipelines. This has caused conflict as Russia controls much of the supply to Europe and Ukraine's pipeline infrastructure is crucial for these exports. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Ukraine's pivot toward the EU
2. Association Agreement
3. trade dependence on Russia
4. Crimea
5. Russian sanctions and counter sanctions
6. debt and financial assistance.

UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

1. One reason why bilateral attempts are often taken to resolve underdevelopment in Africa is to address global challenges. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why bilateral attempts are often taken to resolve underdevelopment in Africa is to address global challenges. These global challenges could include climate change, migration and pandemics. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why bilateral attempts are often taken to resolve underdevelopment in Africa is to address global challenges. These global challenges could include climate change, migration and pandemics. For example, the US and EU have been involved in providing aid to African countries to help tackle climate change. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One reason why bilateral attempts are often taken to resolve underdevelopment in Africa is to address global challenges. These global challenges could include climate change, migration and pandemics. For example, the US and EU have been involved in providing aid to African countries to help tackle climate change. This has helped to support renewable energy projects and sustainable agricultural practises. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. promote stability in the region
2. economic growth — mutual benefits
3. trade and investment opportunities
4. global stability
5. humanitarian and ethical responsibilities
6. targeted aid delivery.

CONFLICT IN UKRAINE

1. One reason why bilateral attempts have been taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is to promote stability in the region. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why bilateral attempts have been taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is to promote stability in the region. Developed nations have an interest in doing so as instability can have ripple effects on their nations. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why bilateral attempts have been taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is to promote stability in the region. Developed nations have an interest in doing so as instability can have ripple effects on their nations. For example, the conflict has directly affected neighbouring countries such as Poland and Hungary in relation to refugees and military escalation. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One reason why bilateral attempts have been taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is to promote stability in the region. Developed nations have an interest in doing so as instability can have ripple effects on their nations. For example, the conflict has directly affected neighbouring countries such as Poland and Hungary in relation to refugees and military escalation. As a result, Poland has been heavily involved in facilitating discussions between the EU and Ukraine as well as providing humanitarian aid and supporting military logistics. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. securing national interests
2. maintaining the balance of power
3. preventing spillover effects
4. controlling the flow of refugees
5. bilateral defence agreements — NATO
6. humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

USA

1. One political representative that US citizens have are senators. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One political representative that US citizens have are senators. Each of the 50 states have two senators to represent the citizens living in the state. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One political representative that US citizens have are senators. Each of the 50 states have two senators to represent citizens living in the state. For example, in the state of New York, the current senators are Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. President
2. members of the House of Representatives
3. state governors
4. state legislators
5. mayors.

CHINA

1. One political representative that Chinese citizens have are provincial representatives. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One political representative that Chinese citizens have are provincial representatives. Each province has its own government, which is directly controlled by the Communist Party. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One political representative that Chinese citizens have are provincial representatives. Each province has its own government, which is directly controlled by the Communist Party. For example, in the province of Gansu these provincial representatives include the members of the Gansu Provincial People's Government as well as the members of the Gansu Provincial People's Congress. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Central Committee
2. Politburo
3. Politburo Standing Committee
4. Members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)
5. National People's Congress delegates.

USA

1. One way that the USA has political influence on other countries is due to their global leadership. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way that the USA has political influence on other countries is due to their global leadership. The USA is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has significant influence in the decision-making processes. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way that the USA has political influence on other countries is due to their global leadership. The USA is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has significant influence in the decision-making processes. US influence in the UN, G20 and World Health Organisation allows it to shape policies on issues ranging from peacekeeping and climate change to human rights. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. participation in NATO
2. diplomacy
3. global presence
4. influence on international agreements.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. One way that South Africa has political influence on other countries is due to them being a key player in the African Union. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way that South Africa has political influence on other countries is due to them being a key player in the African Union. This is the continent's leading diplomatic and political body. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way that South Africa has political influence on other countries is due to them being a key player in the African Union. This is the continent's leading diplomatic and political body. South Africa has been key in promoting the goals of African unity, economic progress and peace. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. role in the Pan-African movement
2. peacekeeping
3. conflict mediation
4. powerful economy
5. member of the UN
6. BRICS.

USA

1. One reason why some people are more economically successful in the USA is due to having access to better education. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why some people are more economically successful in the USA is due to having access to better education. In more affluent areas, schools have more resources and better quality of teachers due to increased funding through taxation. For example, many White and Asian students attend schools that are well equipped and offer greater opportunities for academic attainment as well as extra-curricular achievements. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. well-paid jobs
2. skill level
3. race
4. gender
5. health care provision/insurance
6. housing.

BRAZIL

1. One reason why some people are more socially successful in Brazil is due to having access to better housing. Housing in Brazil varies significantly depending on what you are able to afford within the region or city in which you live. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
2. One reason why some people are more socially successful in Brazil is due to having access to better housing. Housing in Brazil varies significantly depending on the region or city in which you live. The wealthiest people in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have access to luxury housing with facilities including swimming pools, gyms and spas compared to those living in the favelas who often have poor sanitation, unreliable electricity and lack of running water. This can often impact directly on the health of Brazilians. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. physical and mental health
2. social appearance and status
3. income inequality
4. social mobility
5. social networks
6. educational attainment
7. race
8. gender.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One criminal court that exists in the UK is the High Court in Scotland. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One criminal court that exists in the UK is the High Court in Scotland. The High Court in Scotland handles the most serious crimes like murder and rape. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One criminal court that exists in the UK is the High Court in Scotland. The High Court in Scotland handles the most serious crimes like murder and rape. The maximum penalty that can be imposed is up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Justice of the Peace Court
2. Sheriff Court
3. Magistrates' Court
4. Crown Court
5. The High Court of Justice.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One consequence of crime on the perpetrator is imprisonment. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of crime on the perpetrator is imprisonment. Individuals who commit serious crimes can be given custodial sentences as a punishment for their actions which takes away their freedoms. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of crime on the perpetrator is imprisonment. Individuals who commit serious crimes can be given custodial sentences as a punishment for their actions which takes away their freedoms. For example, on average in Scotland there are over 7,800 people being held in prison because of the crime they committed. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. mental health issues
2. family disownment
3. unemployment
4. financial issues
5. homelessness
6. social exclusion.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One cause of crime is poverty. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One cause of crime is poverty. This is because if a person cannot meet their basic needs, such as food and clothing, they may turn to crime to do so. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One cause of crime is poverty. This is because if a person cannot meet their basic needs, such as food and clothing, they may turn to crime to do so. For example, UK supermarkets have begun placing security tags on items such as cheese, butter and formula milk. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One cause of crime is poverty. This is because if a person cannot meet their basic needs, such as food and clothing, they may turn to crime to do so. For example, UK supermarkets have begun placing security tags on items such as cheese, butter and formula milk. As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, it is no longer only high value items that are shoplifted but everyday items like these because people are desperate and cannot afford them. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. greed
2. government benefit policy
3. alcohol/drugs
4. peer pressure
5. mental health issues
6. warrior gene.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. The government is effective in tackling crime due to investment in policing. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The government is effective in tackling crime due to investment in policing. In recent years over 20,000 additional police officers have been recruited. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The government is effective in tackling crime due to investment in policing. In recent years over 20,000 additional police officers have been recruited. This is effective because it allows for more neighbourhood patrols, improving visibility and ultimately deterring crime. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. tougher sentencing
2. legal reforms
3. use of technology and data
4. preventative programmes
5. partnership working.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One type of inequality that exists in the UK is differences in life expectancy. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One type of inequality that exists in the UK is differences in life expectancy. People from deprived areas or lower-income backgrounds often have a lower life expectancy compared to those in more affluent areas. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One type of inequality that exists in the UK is differences in life expectancy. People from deprived areas or lower-income backgrounds often have a lower life expectancy compared to those in more affluent areas. This is partly due to poorer access to healthcare, unhealthy living conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. low paid employment
2. regional inequalities in income
3. property ownership
4. university tuition fees/university access
5. gender inequality — pay gap
6. race inequalities — discrimination/hate crime.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One consequence of social and economic inequality for families is that some struggle financially. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of social and economic inequality for families is that some struggle financially. Many families suffering from social and economic inequality are on the minimum wage. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of social and economic inequality for families is that some struggle financially. Many families suffering from social and economic inequality are on the minimum wage. This makes it more difficult to pay for holidays or build savings. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. suffer greater mental and physical health difficulties due to stress
2. poor nutrition
3. poor living conditions
4. lower social mobility
5. lower life expectancy
6. higher infant mortality.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One cause of social and economic inequality is the disparity in wages and salaries. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One cause of social and economic inequality is the disparity in wages and salaries. For those aged between 18-20, the minimum wage is an hourly rate of £10.85 whereas the minimum wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One cause of social and economic inequality is the disparity in wages and salaries. For those aged between 18-20, the minimum wage is an hourly rate of £10.85 whereas the minimum wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71. However, even those on the higher rate of minimum wage will suffer inequality, earning less than the annual average income in the UK which in 2024 was £37,430. This goes even further with the average income in certain areas of the UK being higher for example, the average annual income in London in 2024 was £47,455. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. varying levels of education, experience and skills
2. discrimination/stereotyping
3. gender
4. privilege/social class
5. welfare cuts/benefit dependency.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One reason why the government is effective in tackling social and economic inequality is because they provide benefits to those in need. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why the government is effective in tackling social and economic inequality is because they provide benefits to those in need. Benefits include Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Pension Credit which help those in financial difficulty. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why the government is effective in tackling social and economic inequality is because they provide benefits to those in need. Benefits include Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Pension Credit which help those in financial difficulty. This is effective because it boosts incomes, aims to reduce poverty gaps and improve overall standard of living. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. whole-government strategies — 'Levelling Up Reforms'
2. strengthened welfare and employment reforms
3. targeted action — 'Inclusive Britain'
4. fairer local government funding.

Option 1 — Ava Reid

1. I recommend Option 1 because in Source 1 it says that Ava would 'seek to increase the number of facilities across the country where individuals can use drugs under the supervision of medical staff. This would help reduce the risks linked to drug use.' (1 mark — evidence drawn from Source 1)
2. I recommend Option 1 because in Source 1 it says that Ava would 'seek to increase the number of facilities across the country where individuals can use drugs under the supervision of medical staff. This would help reduce the risks linked to drug use.' This links to Source 3 where it states that 'Some people argue that a harm reduction approach would be a more effective method to tackle Scotland's drug problem. This could include creating more safer drug consumption rooms across the country.' (2 marks — two pieces of evidence drawn from Sources 1 and 3)

Credit reference to aspects of the following (Option 1):

1. 'Many people who use drugs also experience mental health challenges. I would aim to improve access to counselling, mental health care and social support to help individuals manage their drug use.' (Source 1) which links to Source 3 which states that 'In addition, they believe there should be more support available for people who struggle with mental health issues.'
2. 'I would also work with the police to develop prevention programmes that divert drug addicts away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.' (Source 1) which links to Source 3 which states 'This approach could involve the criminal justice system, with the aim of diverting drug users away from prison and giving them more support in the community.'

Reasons for rejecting the other option (Option 1 chosen):

1. I could have picked Option 2 because in Source 1 Graeme states that 'I would make sure that treatment programmes are available to everyone who needs them. This would cost around £80 million and would help people with addictions to recover and live healthy, crime-free lives.' However, this is wrong as Source 3 states that 'It is estimated that to tackle this problem the government would need to fund treatment programmes costing around £900 million'. (2 marks — evidence linked from Sources 1 and 3)

Option 2 — Graeme Mathieson

1. I recommend Option 2 because in Source 1 it says 'Families who have lost loved ones to drug addiction also need help. I would ensure that they receive the support they need to overcome the trauma this can cause.' (1 mark — evidence drawn from Source 1)
2. I recommend Option 2 because in Source 1 it says 'Families who have lost loved ones to drug addiction also need help. I would ensure they receive the support they need to overcome the trauma this can cause.' This links to Source 2 which shows that more than half of those surveyed agree or strongly agree that there should be more support for families affected by drug addiction. (2 marks — evidence linked from Sources 1 and 2)

Credit reference to aspects of the following (Option 2):

1. 'I would ensure that there is an increase in school-based education programmes in an attempt to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs.' (Source 1) which links to Source 3 which says that 'In recent years, while there has been a focus in educating young people on the dangers of drug use, many people believe that more still needs to be done in this area.'
2. 'I would improve access to meaningful activities for young people — such as sport, music and the arts — to give them healthy alternatives to spending time on the streets or getting involved with drugs.' (Source 1), which links to Source 3 which says that 'Providing activities for young people in their communities is also seen as a crucial way to help them make better choices and stay away from drugs.'

Reasons for rejecting the other option (Option 2 chosen):

1. I could have picked Option 1 because in Source 1 Ava says that she would 'ensure that more resources are directed to the local authority areas where drug-related death rates are the highest, such as the Scottish Borders and East Renfrewshire.' However, Source 2 highlights that drug-related death rates are lowest in the Scottish Borders and East Renfrewshire. (2 marks — evidence linked from Sources 1 and 2)