GCSE CITIZENSHIP STUDIES — Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: Citizenship in Perspective.
All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J270/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Citizenship Studies May 2025 Citizenship in Perspective Paper (OCR J270/01)
integrates the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a clear and
comprehensive revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of citizenship in
contemporary society, including political systems, the roles and responsibilities of citizens, democracy,
government, law, human rights, and social issues. Candidates are required to analyse information,
evaluate differing viewpoints, and apply knowledge to case studies and real-world scenarios,
demonstrating critical thinking and informed judgement. By presenting each question alongside its
marking criteria, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, illustrates the level of analytical
and evaluative skills required for higher marks, and guides learners in structuring accurate and well-
reasoned responses. The integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens exam technique, and
prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies Citizenship in Perspective
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend about 15 minutes on this section.
1 Why is the Magna Carta important?
A it established a national police force
B it established a sovereign parliament
C it established the right to a fair trial
D it set out citizens’ voting rights for the first time
Your answer [1]
2 Study Source 2 and answer the question that follows.
Source 2
The Equality Act 2010
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of marital status or disability. These
are just two of the protected characteristics covered by equality laws in the United Kingdom (UK)
Which other characteristics are protected under UK equality laws?
P ethnicity
Q sex
R social class
A P and Q
B P, Q and R.
C P and R
D R only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 Study the two statements. Choose option A, B, C or D to describe their accuracy.
First statement: The European Convention on Human Rights places a duty on European
nations to protect individual rights and freedoms.
Second statement: It is the responsibility of each nation to decide which rights and freedoms to
protect.
A both statements are false
B both statements are true
C the first statement is false, but the second statement is true
D the first statement is true, but the second statement is false
Your answer [1]
4 What are the legal responsibilities of citizens in England and Wales?
P educate their children
Q pay tax
R vote
A P and Q
B P, Q and R
C Q and R
D R only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 Which row in the table best describes the role of the judge?
Justice Law
A judges decide guilt or innocence judges decide new laws
B judges decide guilt or innocence judges establish precedents
C judges decide sentences judges decide new laws
D judges decide sentences judges establish precedents
Your answer [1]
6 Study the two statements. Choose option A, B, C or D to describe their accuracy.
First statement: People accused of a crime must prove their innocence.
Second statement: People found guilty by a Crown Court cannot appeal.
A both statements are false
B both statements are true
C the first statement is false, but the second statement is true
D the first statement is true, but the second statement is false
Your answer [1]
7 Choose two differences between a youth court and an adult court.
A adult courts are prevented from dealing with the trial of young people aged under 18
B either three magistrates or a district judge decide the verdict and sentence in a youth court
C in a youth court, defendants are called by their first name
D in a youth court, solicitors from both sides agree on the verdict and sentence
E witnesses do not attend a youth court
F youth courts can impose only community sentences
Your answer [2]
© OCR 2025
All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J270/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Citizenship Studies May 2025 Citizenship in Perspective Paper (OCR J270/01)
integrates the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a clear and
comprehensive revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of citizenship in
contemporary society, including political systems, the roles and responsibilities of citizens, democracy,
government, law, human rights, and social issues. Candidates are required to analyse information,
evaluate differing viewpoints, and apply knowledge to case studies and real-world scenarios,
demonstrating critical thinking and informed judgement. By presenting each question alongside its
marking criteria, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, illustrates the level of analytical
and evaluative skills required for higher marks, and guides learners in structuring accurate and well-
reasoned responses. The integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens exam technique, and
prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies Citizenship in Perspective
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend about 15 minutes on this section.
1 Why is the Magna Carta important?
A it established a national police force
B it established a sovereign parliament
C it established the right to a fair trial
D it set out citizens’ voting rights for the first time
Your answer [1]
2 Study Source 2 and answer the question that follows.
Source 2
The Equality Act 2010
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of marital status or disability. These
are just two of the protected characteristics covered by equality laws in the United Kingdom (UK)
Which other characteristics are protected under UK equality laws?
P ethnicity
Q sex
R social class
A P and Q
B P, Q and R.
C P and R
D R only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 Study the two statements. Choose option A, B, C or D to describe their accuracy.
First statement: The European Convention on Human Rights places a duty on European
nations to protect individual rights and freedoms.
Second statement: It is the responsibility of each nation to decide which rights and freedoms to
protect.
A both statements are false
B both statements are true
C the first statement is false, but the second statement is true
D the first statement is true, but the second statement is false
Your answer [1]
4 What are the legal responsibilities of citizens in England and Wales?
P educate their children
Q pay tax
R vote
A P and Q
B P, Q and R
C Q and R
D R only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 Which row in the table best describes the role of the judge?
Justice Law
A judges decide guilt or innocence judges decide new laws
B judges decide guilt or innocence judges establish precedents
C judges decide sentences judges decide new laws
D judges decide sentences judges establish precedents
Your answer [1]
6 Study the two statements. Choose option A, B, C or D to describe their accuracy.
First statement: People accused of a crime must prove their innocence.
Second statement: People found guilty by a Crown Court cannot appeal.
A both statements are false
B both statements are true
C the first statement is false, but the second statement is true
D the first statement is true, but the second statement is false
Your answer [1]
7 Choose two differences between a youth court and an adult court.
A adult courts are prevented from dealing with the trial of young people aged under 18
B either three magistrates or a district judge decide the verdict and sentence in a youth court
C in a youth court, defendants are called by their first name
D in a youth court, solicitors from both sides agree on the verdict and sentence
E witnesses do not attend a youth court
F youth courts can impose only community sentences
Your answer [2]
© OCR 2025
