AQA A-level POLITICS 7152/1 Paper 1 Government and politics of the UK Mark scheme

AQA A-level POLITICS 7152/1 Paper 1 Government and politics of the UK Mark scheme Levels of response mark scheme for 9-mark questions Explain and analyse three ways in which judicial independence is upheld in the UK. [9 marks] Explain and analyse three influences upon individual MPs when voting in the House of Commons. [9 marks] Explain and analyse three circumstances under which referendums have been held in the UK. [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 demonstrate detailed understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes (AO1). • analysis of three clear points is 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 demonstrate 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 is developed in most places, though some points may be descriptive or in need of further development. Answers, for the most part, are 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 demonstrate limited understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, with further detail required and inaccuracies present throughout (AO1). • analysis takes the form of description for the most part. Coherence and structure are limited (AO2). Students who only make one relevant point will be limited to this level. 0 0 • nothing worthy of credit. 0 1 Explain and analyse three ways in which judicial independence is upheld in the UK. [9 marks] Indicative content In their explanations and analysis, students may be expected to cover areas such as the following: • explanation and analysis of the impact of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 and the significance of the Independent Judicial Appointments Commission • explanation and analysis of the separation of powers, such as the creation of the UK Supreme Court and the removal of the role of the Lord Chancellor’s significant roles in all three branches of government • explanation and analysis of the concept of security of tenure, such as how judges are appointed for an open-ended term, limited only age. Judges can only be removed by a vote in both Houses of Parliament • explanation and analysis of guaranteed salaries that are paid from the Consolidated Fund. Salaries cannot be manipulated by politicians as they are classified as standing services • explanation and analysis of the training and experience of senior judges, such as how applicants to the Supreme Court must have held high judicial office for at least two years. Deferring to public opinion or politicians may be seen to compromise judicial integrity and independence • explanation and analysis of the offence of contempt of court, such as under sub judice rules, the media and politicians are prevented from speaking publicly during legal proceedings. Students are required to consider only three ways. 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.