Summary CEA government and politics Assessment Unit A2 1 Comparative Government

Government and Politics Assessment Unit A2 1 Comparative Government [AGP11] Assessment TIME 2 hours 15 minutes. Assessment Level of Control: Tick the relevant box () INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number on the Answer Booklet provided. Choose either Option A: The United States of America and the United Kingdom or Option B: The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. From your chosen option answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The total mark for this paper is 100 marks. Quality of written communication will be assessed in Questions 3, 4, 6(a) and 6(b). Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the marks awarded to each question or part question. ADVICE TO CANDIDATES You are advised to take account of the marks for each part question in allocating the available examination time. Study the Source before attempting to answer Questions 2 and 4 and refer to the Source in your answers. * AGP11* Controlled Conditions Other 12432 2 Option A: A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) Answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B Section A: The Government and Politics of the USA Read the Source below and refer to it in your answers to Questions 2 and 4. Source 1 What is meant by the term “split-ticket voting”? Support your answer with a relevant example. [5] 2 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, identify and explain two ways in which lobby groups can influence Members of Congress (Source, lines 7 and 8) . [10] 3 Explain how the Senate can influence Presidential appointments. [15] 4 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, assess the view that Congress prevents the President from taking “necessary and desirable actions”. [30] Critics of Congress argue that it has become a negative influence within the US political system. Congress was intended to act as a check on executive power, under the system of checks and balances. Critics argue that Congress now exceeds this role, preventing presidents from taking necessary and desirable actions. For example, President Obama’s attempts to extend gun controls were defeated, despite widespread popular support for reform. One reason for Congress acting to frustrate presidential aims is the alarming growth in the power of lobby groups which are able to “buy” Members of Congress. On the other hand, there are those who argue that presidents have an enormous range of powers to overcome Congressional opposition. 12432