A-level POLITICS 7152/3 Paper 3 Political Ideas Mark scheme

A-level POLITICS 7152/3 Paper 3 Political Ideas Mark scheme Levels of response mark scheme for 9-mark questions Socialism Explain and analyse three ways in which socialist thinkers have viewed the concept of equality. [9 marks] Liberalism Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers have viewed the role of the state. [9 marks] Conservatism Explain and analyse three ways in which conservative thinkers have viewed the economy. [9 marks] Target AO1: 6 marks, AO2: 3 marks Level Marks Descriptors 3 7–9 • detailed knowledge of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • thorough explanations and appropriate selection of accurate supporting examples demonstrates detailed understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes (AO1). • analysis of three clear points will be structured, clearly focused on the question and confidently developed in to a coherent answer (AO2). 2 4–6 • generally sound knowledge of political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and generally appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • some development of explanations and generally appropriate selection of supporting examples demonstrates generally accurate understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, though further detail may be required in places and some inaccuracies may be present (AO1). • analysis will be developed in most places, though some points may be descriptive or in need of further development. Answers will, for the most part, be clearly expressed and show some organisation in the presentation of material (AO2). Students who only make two relevant points will be limited to this level. 1 1–3 • limited knowledge of political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and little or no appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • limited development of explanations and selection of supporting examples demonstrates limited understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, with further detail required and inaccuracies present throughout (AO1). • analysis will take the form of description for the most part. Coherence and structure will be limited (AO2). Students who only make one relevant point will be limited to this level. 0 0 • nothing worthy of credit. 0 1 Socialism Explain and analyse three ways in which socialist thinkers have viewed the concept of equality. [9 marks] Indicative content In their explanations and analysis, students may be expected to cover areas such as the following: • explanation and analysis of how social democrats view equality as desirable. This may be linked to support for a mixed economy based on the assumption that capitalism can be humanised (or civilised). Expect possible use of the mixed economy, comprehensive education and a ‘free’ (at the point of use) health service • explanation and analysis of how democratic socialists support greater equality of outcome. This may be linked to their support for the state distributing resources in a more egalitarian manner than social democrats • explanation and analysis of how revolutionary socialists such as Engels view equality as based upon common ownership and a planned economy. Unlike parliamentary and evolutionary socialists, Marxists favour complete equality of outcome • explanation and analysis of the significance of equality to socialist thinkers (eg Marx and Engels’ notion of class struggle, Crosland’s emphasis upon social welfare, Webb’s support for the co- operative movement, etc). Students are required to consider only three ways in which socialist thinkers have viewed the concept of equality. If a student exceeds this number, reward only the best three. However, some may include relevant points not listed above and these should be credited. If a student gives only one or two examples they will receive a maximum of three and six marks respectively.