Specimen papers
Question 1: Explain and analyse the significance of three sources of the British constitution. (9)
Question 2: Explain and analyse three ways in which pressure groups seek to influence government
policy (9)
Question 3: Explain and analyse three factors that can influence voting behaviour. (9)
Analyse, evaluate and compare the arguments in the above article over a cap on individual
donations to political parties. (25)
Question 5: ‘There are many factors that can give the prime minister power over cabinet colleagues.’
Analyse and evaluate this statement. In your answer you should draw on material from across the
whole range of your course of study in Politics. (25)
Question 6: ‘Despite their weaknesses select committees play an increasingly central role in British
Politics.’ Analyse and evaluate this statement (25)
November 2020
Explain and analyse three ways in which judicial independence is upheld in the UK. [9 marks]
0 2 Explain and analyse three influences upon individual MPs when voting in the House of Commons.
[9 marks]
0 3 Explain and analyse three circumstances under which referendums have been held in the UK (9)
Analyse, evaluate and compare the arguments in the above extract regarding the advantages and
disadvantages of the roles played by interest groups within pluralist democracy in the UK (25)
‘The United Kingdom now has a multi-party system.’ Analyse and evaluate this statement. [25
marks]
Party leaders are of decisive importance in the winning or losing of general elections.’ Analyse and
evaluate this statement (25)
November 2021
1 Explain and analyse three ways in which membership of the EU has had an impact upon UK
politics. [9 marks]
2 Explain and analyse three ways in which collective responsibility has come under pressure since
1979. [9 marks]
3 Explain and analyse three long-term factors, other than class, that can influence voting behaviour.
Analyse, evaluate and compare the arguments in the above extracts regarding House of Lords
reform (25)
The ongoing process of devolution threatens the sovereignty of the Westminster Parliament.’
Analyse and evaluate this statement. [25 marks]
‘Political parties fulfil valuable roles and functions within the UK political system.’ Analyse and
evaluate this statement. (25)