AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
AQA A-LEVEL POLITICS (7152)
Paper 1 — Government and Politics of the UK
Topic 1.2: The Structure and Role of Parliament
COMPLETE ESSAY PLAN BUNDLE
10 short-answer (9-mark) plans · 7 essay (25-mark) plans · 2 full model essays · Bonus synoptic cards
Includes AQA specification links, assessment objectives, examiner insight and 2025-26 case updates
Page 1 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
Specification Overview & Assessment Objectives
This bundle covers Topic 1.2 of the AQA A-Level Politics specification (7152), Paper 1:
Government and Politics of the UK — the structure and role of Parliament. This topic
examines how effectively the Commons and Lords scrutinise the executive, how MPs
and peers represent the public, and how party discipline and government dominance
shape the reality of parliamentary power. It links directly to Topic 1.3 (the Prime
Minister and Cabinet) and Topic 1.1 (the constitution), so synoptic links are flagged
throughout.
Key Terms and Concepts
Term What it means
Parliament's function of examining, questioning and holding government
Scrutiny of the executive
ministers accountable.
The two chambers of Parliament: the elected House of Commons and the
Commons / Lords
largely appointed House of Lords.
A representative acts strictly on the wishes of their constituents, even against
Delegate model
their own judgement.
A representative uses their own judgement, acting in what they believe is the
Trustee (Burkean) model
best interest of constituents.
A representative is bound by their party's manifesto commitments, on which
Mandate model
they were elected.
Legal immunity allowing MPs/peers to speak freely in the chamber without
Parliamentary privilege
fear of being sued.
The largest non-government party, whose role includes challenging
Opposition
government policy and offering an alternative.
Parliament's function of resolving individual constituents' problems, usually
Redress of grievances
via their MP.
Whip / party discipline The system used by parties to ensure MPs vote according to the party line.
What You Need to Analyse and Evaluate
• How effectively Parliament scrutinises the executive in practice.
• The legislative process and parliamentary debate in both the Commons and the
Lords.
• Theories of representation: Burkean (trustee), delegate and mandate models.
• The roles and influence of MPs and peers, including the work of select committees
and the role of the opposition.
• The extent of Parliament's influence over government, including the effect of party
discipline, government control over which civil servants appear before select
committees, and Whips' Office influence over committee membership.
Assessment Objectives (AOs)
AO Description Weighting
Page 2 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
Knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts,
AO1 30-40%
theories and issues.
Analysis of politics and political information, including parallels, connections,
AO2 35-45%
similarities and differences.
Evaluation of politics and political information, including constructing arguments,
AO3 25-35%
substantiated judgements and conclusions.
Question Types on Paper 1
Question What's required
“Explain and analyse” questions. Develop at least three separate, well-
Section A — 3 x 9 marks
evidenced points.
Section B — 25 marks Extract-based question comparing two short passages of political argument.
Essay question, choice of two. Requires a sustained, balanced line of
Section C — 25 marks
argument reaching a reasoned conclusion.
Examiner Insight
✱ Examiner Insight Examiners have repeatedly noted that the strongest answers on Parliament's
scrutiny role move beyond PMQs and its 'Punch and Judy' reputation to also discuss select
committees and Opposition Day debates as more substantive opportunities for scrutiny —
supported with specific examples such as the Public Accounts Committee or the Home Affairs
Select Committee's work on the Windrush scandal.
✱ Examiner Insight On questions about select committees, top-band responses discuss the impact
of the Wright Reforms (the 2010 move to elected committee chairs and cross-party ballots for
membership), and can name a specific chair or inquiry (e.g. the Treasury Committee
questioning the Chancellor, or the Liaison Committee's regular sessions with the Prime
Minister) rather than describing committees only in the abstract.
✱ Examiner Insight Weaker responses on extract-based questions are often purely descriptive,
copying phrases from the extract without developing them; the strongest responses comment
on provenance (who wrote it, when, and their likely bias) and use the extract as a springboard
for their own further examples.
✱ Examiner Insight For essays on backbench influence or the opposition's role, examiners reward
candidates who directly challenge the wording of the question in their conclusion, rather than
simply restating both sides without taking a clear, substantiated position.
Page 3 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
How to Structure a 25-Mark Essay
The 25-mark essay in Section C requires a structured, balanced argument that
sustains a clear line of reasoning throughout and ends in a reasoned, substantiated
conclusion. Aim to spend around 40 minutes on this question, in line with AQA's
guidance that the three sections of Paper 1 carry roughly equal weight.
1. Introduction (2-3 sentences)
Briefly define the key term(s) in the question, and state your overall line of argument
straight away. Don't sit on the fence — examiners reward a clear position that the rest
of the essay then defends.
2. Body paragraphs (typically 3-4)
Each paragraph should make ONE point, using the POINT → EVIDENCE → ANALYSIS
→ EVALUATION structure: state the point, back it with a specific, named example
(Act, case, statistic, event), explain why it matters (AO2), then briefly weigh it against
a counter-consideration before moving on (AO3).
3. Balance
AQA explicitly requires a *balanced* argument. Even if you are strongly convinced by
one side, make sure the opposing view is given a genuine, developed paragraph
rather than a single dismissive sentence.
4. Synoptic links
Where relevant, link across the specification — Topic 1.2 links particularly well to
Topic 1.3 (the Prime Minister and cabinet) and Topic 1.1 (parliamentary sovereignty,
conventions). Mark schemes explicitly reward this.
5. Conclusion (3-4 sentences)
Weigh the arguments against each other and reach a clear, substantiated judgement.
Do not simply repeat your introduction — show that your conclusion follows from the
specific evidence you've just discussed.
Page 4 of 33
AQA A-LEVEL POLITICS (7152)
Paper 1 — Government and Politics of the UK
Topic 1.2: The Structure and Role of Parliament
COMPLETE ESSAY PLAN BUNDLE
10 short-answer (9-mark) plans · 7 essay (25-mark) plans · 2 full model essays · Bonus synoptic cards
Includes AQA specification links, assessment objectives, examiner insight and 2025-26 case updates
Page 1 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
Specification Overview & Assessment Objectives
This bundle covers Topic 1.2 of the AQA A-Level Politics specification (7152), Paper 1:
Government and Politics of the UK — the structure and role of Parliament. This topic
examines how effectively the Commons and Lords scrutinise the executive, how MPs
and peers represent the public, and how party discipline and government dominance
shape the reality of parliamentary power. It links directly to Topic 1.3 (the Prime
Minister and Cabinet) and Topic 1.1 (the constitution), so synoptic links are flagged
throughout.
Key Terms and Concepts
Term What it means
Parliament's function of examining, questioning and holding government
Scrutiny of the executive
ministers accountable.
The two chambers of Parliament: the elected House of Commons and the
Commons / Lords
largely appointed House of Lords.
A representative acts strictly on the wishes of their constituents, even against
Delegate model
their own judgement.
A representative uses their own judgement, acting in what they believe is the
Trustee (Burkean) model
best interest of constituents.
A representative is bound by their party's manifesto commitments, on which
Mandate model
they were elected.
Legal immunity allowing MPs/peers to speak freely in the chamber without
Parliamentary privilege
fear of being sued.
The largest non-government party, whose role includes challenging
Opposition
government policy and offering an alternative.
Parliament's function of resolving individual constituents' problems, usually
Redress of grievances
via their MP.
Whip / party discipline The system used by parties to ensure MPs vote according to the party line.
What You Need to Analyse and Evaluate
• How effectively Parliament scrutinises the executive in practice.
• The legislative process and parliamentary debate in both the Commons and the
Lords.
• Theories of representation: Burkean (trustee), delegate and mandate models.
• The roles and influence of MPs and peers, including the work of select committees
and the role of the opposition.
• The extent of Parliament's influence over government, including the effect of party
discipline, government control over which civil servants appear before select
committees, and Whips' Office influence over committee membership.
Assessment Objectives (AOs)
AO Description Weighting
Page 2 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
Knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts,
AO1 30-40%
theories and issues.
Analysis of politics and political information, including parallels, connections,
AO2 35-45%
similarities and differences.
Evaluation of politics and political information, including constructing arguments,
AO3 25-35%
substantiated judgements and conclusions.
Question Types on Paper 1
Question What's required
“Explain and analyse” questions. Develop at least three separate, well-
Section A — 3 x 9 marks
evidenced points.
Section B — 25 marks Extract-based question comparing two short passages of political argument.
Essay question, choice of two. Requires a sustained, balanced line of
Section C — 25 marks
argument reaching a reasoned conclusion.
Examiner Insight
✱ Examiner Insight Examiners have repeatedly noted that the strongest answers on Parliament's
scrutiny role move beyond PMQs and its 'Punch and Judy' reputation to also discuss select
committees and Opposition Day debates as more substantive opportunities for scrutiny —
supported with specific examples such as the Public Accounts Committee or the Home Affairs
Select Committee's work on the Windrush scandal.
✱ Examiner Insight On questions about select committees, top-band responses discuss the impact
of the Wright Reforms (the 2010 move to elected committee chairs and cross-party ballots for
membership), and can name a specific chair or inquiry (e.g. the Treasury Committee
questioning the Chancellor, or the Liaison Committee's regular sessions with the Prime
Minister) rather than describing committees only in the abstract.
✱ Examiner Insight Weaker responses on extract-based questions are often purely descriptive,
copying phrases from the extract without developing them; the strongest responses comment
on provenance (who wrote it, when, and their likely bias) and use the extract as a springboard
for their own further examples.
✱ Examiner Insight For essays on backbench influence or the opposition's role, examiners reward
candidates who directly challenge the wording of the question in their conclusion, rather than
simply restating both sides without taking a clear, substantiated position.
Page 3 of 33
, AQA Politics 7152 · Topic 1.2 — The Structure and Role of Parliament
How to Structure a 25-Mark Essay
The 25-mark essay in Section C requires a structured, balanced argument that
sustains a clear line of reasoning throughout and ends in a reasoned, substantiated
conclusion. Aim to spend around 40 minutes on this question, in line with AQA's
guidance that the three sections of Paper 1 carry roughly equal weight.
1. Introduction (2-3 sentences)
Briefly define the key term(s) in the question, and state your overall line of argument
straight away. Don't sit on the fence — examiners reward a clear position that the rest
of the essay then defends.
2. Body paragraphs (typically 3-4)
Each paragraph should make ONE point, using the POINT → EVIDENCE → ANALYSIS
→ EVALUATION structure: state the point, back it with a specific, named example
(Act, case, statistic, event), explain why it matters (AO2), then briefly weigh it against
a counter-consideration before moving on (AO3).
3. Balance
AQA explicitly requires a *balanced* argument. Even if you are strongly convinced by
one side, make sure the opposing view is given a genuine, developed paragraph
rather than a single dismissive sentence.
4. Synoptic links
Where relevant, link across the specification — Topic 1.2 links particularly well to
Topic 1.3 (the Prime Minister and cabinet) and Topic 1.1 (parliamentary sovereignty,
conventions). Mark schemes explicitly reward this.
5. Conclusion (3-4 sentences)
Weigh the arguments against each other and reach a clear, substantiated judgement.
Do not simply repeat your introduction — show that your conclusion follows from the
specific evidence you've just discussed.
Page 4 of 33
