Bishop Wordsworth's School
Politics Department
A Student's Guide to AS and A Level
Government and Politics
2015-16
What will I learn on this course?

How to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between
political ideas, institutions and processes;

What are the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK and
how these may differ from those of other political systems.

Acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the
individual.

Foster an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.
Page 1
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This course will appeal to those students who:

enjoy debating current affairs and politics

have a keen appreciation of the need to participate in the decision making process

like doing a subject that affects their everyday lives

like doing a subject that offers the opportunity to progress to a career in politics

want to keep their options open – Politics can be a useful choice for a wide range of careers
and can be combined with a wide range of social sciences and humanities subjects.
What could I do at the end of my course?
Students with AS or A Level Government and Politics have access to a wide range of possible
career and higher education opportunities. You learn and use a variety of transferable skills
throughout the course. These include collecting and analysing information and evaluating different
political ideas and systems. Your written communication skills will develop greatly as will your
ability to question information given to you. These skills are in great demand and are recognised by
employers, universities and colleges as being of great value.
Government and Politics combines well with a range of social sciences and humanities subjects to
lead to university courses in such areas as business, economics, law, media, philosophy and, of
course, politics.
Students who choose not to go on to to higher studies will have well-developed transferable skills
that will allow them to explore a wide variety of employment opportunities.
Page 2
OCR AS GCE Government and Politics (H095)
Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
In this unit candidates are expected to show knowledge and understanding of parties, party systems
and pressure groups in the United Kingdom as well as electoral systems, parliamentary elections
and voting behaviour.
Candidates will need a basic working knowledge of concepts such as democracy, participation and
representation. They must also be aware of current political developments and be able to interpret
and evaluate data.
• Political parties (mandatory) (PA)
• Pressure groups (mandatory) (PA)
• Electoral systems and referenda (AJE)
• UK parliamentary elections (AJE)
• Voting behaviour in the UK (AJE)
Assessment
25% of the total GCE marks 1.5 hrs written paper 100 marks
This paper has two sections:
Section A: Candidates are required to answer all source-based questions to demonstrate knowledge of
political parties and pressure groups. (70 marks)
Section B: Candidates are required to answer one essay question from a choice of three to demonstrate
knowledge of: electoral systems; UK parliamentary elections; voting behavior in the UK. (30 marks)
Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK
• The executive (mandatory) (PA)
• The legislature (mandatory) (AJE)
• The constitution (AJE)
• The European Union (AJE) (This topic will be completed after the examination)
• Rights & Liberties (PA) (This topic will be completed after the examination)
Assessment
25% of the total GCE marks 1.5 hrs written paper 100 marks
This paper has two sections:
Section A: Candidates are required to answer all source-based questions to demonstrate knowledge of the
executive and legislature (70 marks)
Section B: Candidates are required to answer one essay question from a choice of three to demonstrate
knowledge of: the constitution; the European Union; the judiciary. (30 marks)
Page 3
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
AS UNITS
Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
 Political parties (mandatory)
 Pressure groups (mandatory)
 Electoral systems and referenda
 UK Parliamentary elections
 Voting behaviour in the UK
Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK

The constitution

The executive (mandatory)

The legislature (mandatory)

The judiciary

The European Union
Assessment of Units
A Level Politics is not changing to a linear course structure until 2017, so students beginning in
September 2016 will pursue the traditional AS/A2 modular course structure, with the AS exams
worth 50% of the overall A Level grade.
There is no coursework at either A/S or A2 Government and Politics. Each of the four units is worth
25% of the total mark and is examinable in two 1½ hour exams written at AS and two 2 hour papers
at A2.
Page 4
ESSENTIAL RESOURCES
Students are expected to follow the news, usually by reading a serious newspaper most days of the
week (=Times, Telegraph, Guardian or Independent); these are all available online and both schools
have subscriber access. You should also watch or listen to a reputable news programme regularly,
e.g. Newsnight, Channel 4 News, Radio 4’s Today, PM, etc. Websites such as BBC News are also
highly recommended – put it in your favourites on your smartphone.
The Department also maintains a regularly updated webpage on the BWS website http://www.bws-school.org.uk/Curriculum-Exams/Politics/resources/ where links to other useful
news sources can be found, and articles and documents of particular relevance to our topics are
frequently posted. Please bookmark this and check it at least weekly, as well using resources on it
when asked.
Students would also benefit from reading one of the weekly news magazines, such as The
Economist, The Spectator or The Week (student subscriptions available but all have free online
access) and from following political blogs (e.g. Nick Robinson of the BBC, Guido Fawkes, Labour
List). Give several different ones a try and subscribe/follow one or more that suit you.
The Politics Department subscribes to Politics Review, a journal written for A level students. The
journal is published four times a year and students are encouraged to read it, either in the Politics
Office or online. You will also be set articles to read and note from the online archive, which can
accessed from the web link below:
http://magazinesonline.philipallan.co.uk/
Username: [email protected]
Password: password
From the home page, click on the Archive button.
To find the issue of Politics Review you need use the drop down menus to select the Volume and
Issue required – Volume Number covers four issues in an academic Year: 1990-91 = Volume 1;
2013-14 = Volume 23
You can then choose the issue you want from within the Year: September, November, February or
April. (for the current Volume of magazines, click on the “My Magazines” button).
Page 5
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
Topic 1: Political Parties (Mandatory)
This topic will consider the functions of political parties, party systems, the organisation and
developments within the political main parties, the funding of political parties and the contribution
to the democratic process.
Concepts:
representative government; responsible government; democracy; power; authority; influence.
Content:
Political Parties
Definition;roles and functions.
Party systems
One-, two-, multi-party and dominant party systems;
advantages and disadvantages of various systems; the UK party
system.
UK Parties
Structure and organisation of the main parties; basic values of
the main parties; party democracy within the main parties.
Funding political parties
Main sources of party income; issues surrounding the funding of
political parties; proposals for reform.
Parties and the democratic process Contributions to the democratic process; criticisms.
Key developments within and relating to political parties.
Assignments
Definitions of key concepts
Note making
Journal of the Party Conferences
Specimen Questions:
Discuss the view that there is little ideological difference between the 2 major parties of the
UK. [30]
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, distinguish between a one party system, a two
party system, a multi-party system and a dominant party system. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that political parties no
longer have an important role to play in British politics. [28]
Why has the funding of political parties been an issue in British politics? [30]
To what extent are the Labour and Conservative parties democratic organisations? [30]
Page 6
Essential References
OCR, Government and Politics p6-35
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government and Politics
Politics Review, February 2015, The UK Party System: a two party or a multi- party system?
Politics Review, February 2015, Debate: should political parties be funded by the state?
Politics Review, April 2015 UK Update Party positions right or left?
Politics Review, September 2013 The Conservative Party : Why is it divided over policy?
Politics Review, February 2013, Political Parties: Do they promote participation?
Politics Review, February 2013, Coalition government: lessons for the future
Politics Review, November 2012, How Red is Ed?
Politics Review, November 2012, UK Update: The party conference season
Politics Review, September 2012, Coalition policy: is the yellow dog really wagging the blue dog?
Politics Review, April 2013, From Blue Labour to Red Tories: party factions in Britain today
Politics Review, April 2013, UK Update: from Rose Garden romance to Ronseal relationship
(coalition)
Politics Review, September 2011, The Big Society: conservatism re invented ?
Politics Review, September 2011, Coalition government : can power sharing work in Britain?
Politics Review, November 2011, Conservatives and Lib Dems closer than we thought?
Politics Review, February 2012, Highlights the Liberal Democrats
Politics Review, April 2012, Party approaches to the UK economy
Politics Review, April 2011, What next for Labour?
Politics Review, April 2011, UK Update: Ed Miliband’s first one hundred days
Politics Review, February 2011, UK Update: Tony Blair’s “A Journey”
Politics Review, February 2011, “A bonfire of the quangos”
Politics Review, November 2010, Democracy in the UK
Politics Review, November 2010, UK Update….. Cameron’s” big idea”
Politics Review, February 2010, Conservative policy under C,ameron
Politics Review, September 2009, Whatever happened to New Labour?
Politics Review, November 2009, Has conservatism moved beyond Thatcherism?
Politics Review, November 2009, UK Update ,….Selecting Conservative candidates
Politics Review, February 2009, Britain’s multi party system
Talking Politics, January 2007, David Cameron – Modern Liberal or One-Nation Conservative?
Politics Review, February 2008, Conservatism under Cameron; the new 'third way'
Politics Review, November 2004, How should political parties be funded?
Politics Review, November 2005, Making Party Policy
Page 7
AS essay questions:
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, distinguish between a one party system, a two party
system, a multi party system and a dominant party system[12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that Britain has a dominant party
system [28]
OCR Specimen Material
Why has the funding of political parties been an issue in British politics? [30]
January 2009
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, distinguish between a one party system, a two party
system, a multi-party system and a dominant party system[12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that political parties no longer have
an important role to play in British politics [28]
June 2009
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain what is meant by ‘democracy’. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, assess the contribution made by political parties to
democracy in the UK today. [28]
January 2010
To what extent are the Labour and Conservative parties democratic organisations? [30]
June 2010
(a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the main ways in which political parties
are funded in Britain. [12]
(b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that there should be more state
funding for political parties. [28]
January 2011
Discuss the view that the United Kingdom no longer has a two-party system. [30]
June 2011
Discuss the view that there is little difference between the basic values of Conservative and Labour
parties. [30]
January 2012
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge outline what is meant by a two party system, a multiparty system and a dominant party system. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge discuss the advantages of a two party system. [28]
June 2012
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline what is meant by i) a pressure group
and ii) a political party [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge to what extent are criticisms of pressure groups
valid? [28]
January 2013
Page 8
Discuss the view that parties are essential to democracy in the UK. [30]
January 2013
a i) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline how the Labour Party chooses its leader. [6]
a ii) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline how the Conservative Party chooses
its leader. [6]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss how much influence ordinary members
have in the Labour and Conservative parties. [28]
June 2013
a) Using the sources & your own knowledge, outline the roles played by political parties in a
democracy. [12]
b) Using the sources & your own knowledge, assess criticisms made of political parties in the UK.
[28]
June 2014
“The Labour and Conservative parties are internally undemocratic.” Discuss. [30]
June 2015
Page 9
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
Topic 2: Pressure Groups (Mandatory)
Concepts
Representation; democracy; power; influence; pluralism; elitism; corporatism.
Content:
Pressure Groups
Definition; types; role and functions.
Methods
Direct action; pressure groups and the executive; pressure
groups and the legislature; pressure groups and the courts;
pressure groups and the EU; pressure groups and public action.
Impact and success
Definition of success; problems of assessing success; factors
influencing success and failure.
Pressure groups and the democratic process Contributions to the democratic process; criticisms.
Key developments within and relating to political parties.
Assignments
Note making.
Research and present a PG of your choice
A/S essay questions on pressure groups:
Discuss the view that Pressure Groups play a harmful view in British politics. [30]
Discuss the importance of the factors that may contribute to the success of a Pressure Group.
[30]
Essential References
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government and Politics, Chapter 5
OCR, Government and Politics pages 36-61
Politics Review, September 2013 Pressure Groups: What makes them successful?
Politics Review, September 2012, Do promotional groups strengthen democracy?
Politics Review, September 2012, Highlights: The UKIP
Politics Review, April 2012, AS Focus on…..Pluralism and Elitism
Politics Review, September 2011, Pressure Groups: a new age of protest ?
Politics Review, September 2009, Pressure Groups in the UK: good or bad for democracy?
Politics Review, Sept 2010, AS Focus on... Direct Action
Page 10
Additional References
Simpson, Pressure Groups
R. Baggot, Pressure Groups Today – Manchester University Press
Politics Review, Sept 1999, Insider and Outsider pressure groups
Politics Review, Nov 2000, How pressure groups influence political parties
Politics Review, Nov 2000, Section 28, pressure groups and the power of the House of Lords
Politics Review, Sept 2004, Pressure Group Politics
Politics Review, Nov 2001, Outside in!
Politics Review, Nov 2005, Pressure Groups and Democracy
Talking Politics, April 2007, Direct Action Pressure Groups – Radical action as a sign of weakness
Politics Review, Sept 2006, The State of Participation in Britain
Politics Review, April 2007, Interest Groups in Britain
Web sites:
The list is potentially huge, here are just some...
www.heinemann.co.uk/hotlinks expresscode1818P
www.greenparty.org.uk
www.charter88.org.uk
www.amnesty.org
www.greenpeace.org
www.bma.org.uk
www.cbi.org.uk
www.stonewall.org
www.animalliberationfront.com
www.navs.org.uk
www.animaland.org
www.countryside-alliance.org
www.league.uk.com
www.cpre.org.uk
www.rspca.org.uk
www.nspcc.org.uk
www.tuc.org.uk
www.foe.co.uk
www.greenpeace.org.uk
www.earthfirst.org.uk
Page 11
AS essay questions:
Discuss the view that Pressure Groups play a harmful role in British politics. [30]
OCR Specimen Paper
Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the effectiveness of the various methods used
by Pressure Groups to achieve their objectives. [28]
January 2009
Discuss the view that Pressure Groups play a harmful view in British politics. [30]
June 2009
Discuss the reasons why pressure groups are sometimes criticised. [30]
January 2010
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the differences between an “insider pressure
group” and an “outsider pressure group”. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that being an insider group is the
most important factor affecting the success of a pressure group. [28]
June 2010
Discuss the view that pressure groups are a threat to British democracy. [30]
January 2011
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline what is meant by:
(i) an “interest”(sectional) group”; [6]
(ii) a “cause (promotional group”. [6]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain why some pressure groups are more
successful than others. [28]
June 2011
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge outline the roles played by pressure groups in the
UK. [12]
b) Using the sources and our own knowledge discuss the view that pressure groups are more
important than political parties. [28]
January 2012
Assess the effectiveness of the methods used by pressure groups to influence government policy.
[30]
June 2012
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline what is meant by a) a pressure group
and b) a political party [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge to what extent are criticisms of pressure groups
valid? [28]
January 2013
Page 12
Assess the contribution of pressure groups to democracy in the UK. [30]
June 2013
Discuss the view that financial resources are the most important factor affecting the success of
pressure group. [30]
June 2014
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the ways in which pressure groups can use
the courts to pursue their objectives. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that pressure groups make the UK
more democratic. [28]
June 2015
Page 13
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
Topic 3: Electoral systems and referenda
6 weeks
Concepts:
democracy; legitimacy; mandate; representation; representative government; responsible
government
Content:
Functions
Purpose of elections and referenda
Electoral systems
Plurality systems; majority systems; proportional systems; hybrid
systems.
Electoral systems in the UK
European; parliamentary; regional; local.
Electoral reform in the UK
Recent reform; criticisms of the various electoral systems used in the UK;
party attitudes to further reform.
Referenda
Types; referenda in the UK; arguments for and against.
Elections, referenda and
the democratic process
Contribution to the democratic process; criticisms.
Key developments relating to electoral systems and referenda
Assignments
Definitions of key concepts
Notemaking
2010 election results IT exercise
Group Research and presentations into different electoral systems
Prepared debates
Factual recall test
Essays
Essential references
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government & Politics, 2010, Chapter 1 & 2
OCR Government and Politics, p62-87
Politics Review, November 2013, UK Electoral Systems: are they all flawed? Thomas Lundberg
Politics Review, November 2011, Which electoral systems are best for Westminster?, Ron Johnston
Politics Review, September 2013, Debate: Do referendums strengthen democracy in the UK? Kay
Moxon and Laurence Ward
Politics Review, November 2014, The Scottish independence referendum: The results analysed,
John Curtice
Page 14
Politics Review, September 2011, Defeat for the Yes men: the AV referendum, Paul Jeater
Politics Review, February 2012, Referendums: Without a Consensus the answer is “no”, Anthony
Bachelor
Politics Review, September 2011, The 2011 Scottish Elections: Why did the SNP win? James
Mitchell
Politics Review September 2010, The 2010 UK General Election, Colin Rallings and Michael
Thrasher
Politics Review September 2010, Should Referendums be used more widely in Britain? Kay Moxon
and Alan Bird
Politics Review November 2010, Democracy in the UK: the 2010 General Election, Philip Lynch
Politics Review April 2010, First Past the Post revisited, Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher
Politics Review Nov 2008, Referendums in the UK, Matt Qvortrup
Talking Politics January 2006, 2005 General Election
Politics Review April 2006, Alternative Electoral Systems
Additional references
Politics Review, September 2013, UK Democracy: the democratic deficit and democratic renewal,
Rowena Hammal
Politics Review, February 2014, Focus on Pluralist democracy and functional representation, Paul
Smith
Politics Review November 2010, Focus on… Compulsory Voting, Jessica Hardy
Politics Review September 2003, Concept – Direct and Representative Democracy
Talking Politics April 2007, E-Petitions and Politics
Websites:
http://www.parliament.uk
http://www.charter88.org.uk/home.html
www.bbc.co.uk/news.
2010 Election - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8644480.stm
Electoral Commission Report document with detailed statistics:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/47185/Election2005_constituen
cies,candidatesandresultsFINAL_20719-15241__E__N__S__W__.pdf
AS Essay question:
Make a case for reforming the electoral system used in British general elections. [30]
OCR Specimen Material
Discuss the advantages of replacing the current system for electing MPs with a different one. [30]
January 2009
Page 15
Discuss the view that referendums should be used more often in the United Kingdom. [30]
June 2009
Discuss the view that we should use proportional representation to elect members of the
Westminster Parliament. [30]
January 2010
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the electoral systems used in the UK to choose
members of the Westminster and European Parliaments. [30]
June 2010
To what extent do elections in the United Kingdom fulfil their purpose? [30]
January 2011
Discuss the view that there is no need to change the current system for electing MPs. [30]
June 2011
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the electoral system used to elect the regional
assemblies in Scotland and Wales. [30]
January 2012
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of referendums in the United Kingdom. [30]
June 2012
Discuss the view that the party list should be used to elect MPs. [30]
January 2013
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of the way in which UK members of the European
Parliament are elected. [30]
June 2013
Discuss the view that the results of recent general elections are clear evidence that the current
system for electing MPs is unfair. [30]
June 2014
“Referendums in the UK have done more harm than good.” Discuss. [30]
June 2015
To what extent do the results of recent general elections support the view that further reform to the
electoral system for the House of Commons is needed?
June 2015
Page 16
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK
Topic 4: The legislature (mandatory)
6 weeks
Concepts:
democracy; parliamentary sovereignty; accountability; representation; parliamentary government.
Content
Legislatures
Definition; role and functions; powers.
The Commons and the Lords
Role; membership; legislative, scrutiny and representative functions.
The opposition & backbenchers
Role and powers.
Parties in parliament
Role of parties in parliament; whips and the whipping system.
The organisation of parliament
Role of the Speaker; select and Public Bill committees; debates;
questions; role of the executive.
Key developments in parliament and parliamentary reform
Assignments
Play http://www.parliament.uk/education/teaching-resources-lesson-plans/mp-for-a-week-game/
Definitions of key concepts
Notemaking
Research on MPs backgrounds
Viewing and analysis of parliamentary debates and committee sessions
Following the progress of a Bill through parliament
Analysis of rebellions in the House of Commons
Prepared debate on Lords reform
Essays – incl Q1a & b on Lords reform
Essential references
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government & Politics, 2010, Chapter 7
OCR, Government and Politics, p172-203
Politics Review, November 2014, The House of Commons: A rejuvenated institution? Kay Moxon
Politics Review, November 2013, Parliament: What does it do and how effectively does it do it?
Alexandra Kelso
Politics Review, November 2014, Women in Politics: Nothing proportional about representation,
Kay Moxon
Politics Review, April 2015, Focus on… The Backbench Business Committee, Katie Shapiro
Page 17
Politics Review, April 2015, The 2010-15 Fixed Term Parliament: How has it worked? Neil
McNaughton and Eric Magee
Politics Review, April 2014, Parliamentary Reform: Incomplete or accomplished? Alexandra
Kelso
Politics Review April 2013, AS Focus on Departmental Select Committees, Paul Smith
Politics Review April 2013, The House of Lords: Why is it so difficult to reform? Paul Fairclough
Politics Review November 2012, Parliament: An effective check on coalition government?
Alexandra Kelso
Politics Review, April 2012, The House of Commons: A pit of partisan jeering? Peter Riddell
Politics Review, September 2011, House of Lords reform, Ian Richards
Politics Review April 2011, Why does the House of Lords Matter? Meg Russell
Politics Review February 2011, Debate: Should the House of Lords be wholly elected? Richard
Whitaker and Philip Lynch
Additional references
Philip Norton, Parliament in British Politics
The Political Quarterly, Vol. 80, No. 1, January-March 2009 (available online), House of Lords
Reform: Are We Nearly There Yet? Meg Russell
Politics Review February 2010, Focus on UK Select Committees
Politics Review September 2009, Fact File: The election of the new speaker of the House of
Commons
Politics Review Nov 2010, The House of Commons: An Effective Legislature? Alexandra Kelso
Politics Review Nov 2008, The House of Commons: unimportant, unreformable, unrepresentative
and unloved? Philip Cowley
Politics Review September 2007 p30, Is parliament still sovereign? Philip Lynch
Politics Review April 2010, MPs expenses: an end to the gravy train? Paul Fairclough and Eric
Magee
Politics Review Vol 16 No 2 (November 2006), Cowley P, Backbench dissent
Websites:
BBC parliament - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/bbc_parliament/default.stm
United Kingdom Parliament - http://www.parliament.uk
Official UK government website - http://www.open.gov.uk/
Unlock Democracy - http://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/
AS essay questions:
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain what is meant by describing MPs as
“representatives”. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that the House of Commons is an
effective check on the government. [28]
OCR Specimen Material
Page 18
Discuss how effectively parliament checks the executive. [30]
January 2009
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the role of Public Bill (Standing) and
Departments Select Committees of the House of Commons. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss how well the House of Commons performs
its functions. [28]
June 2009
Discuss the view that the opposition and backbenchers in parliament have little real power. [30]
January 2010
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the methods by which the House of
Commons scrutinises the executive. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the importance of parliamentary
committees. [28]
June 2010
(a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the membership of the House of Lords.
[12]
(b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the need for parliamentary reform. [28]
January 2011
Discuss the view that political parties have too much power in parliament. [30]
June 2011
Discuss the view that Parliament no longer plays an important role. [30]
January 2012
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the process by which Parliament makes
laws. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that the Opposition plays an
important role in Parliament. [28]
June 2012
a i) Using the sources and your knowledge outline the main features of the membership of the
House of Commons. [6]
a ii) Using the sources and your knowledge outline the main features of the membership of the
House of Lords. [6]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge discuss the case for further reform of the House of
Commons. [28]
January 2013
Discuss the view that Parliament is an ineffective check on the executive. [30]
June 2013
Page 19
a) Using Source A and your own knowledge, describe the role of:
i) the Speaker of the House of Commons. [6]
ii) the government whips. [6]
b) Using Sources B, C and your own knowledge, make out a case for and a case against the
abolition of the House of Lords. [28]
June 2014
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the role of backbench MPs in the House of
Commons. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that political parties in the House
of Commons have too powerful a role. [28]
June 2015
Page 20
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
Topic 5: UK Parliamentary Elections
4 weeks
Concepts:
Legitimacy; mandate; democracy; representation; representative government; responsible
government.
Content:
The mechanics of a General Election
Including: why and how elections are called; who can stand and
who can vote; how candidates are selected; voting and winning.
General Elections campaigns
Including: party strategies; manifestos; national and local
campaigns; mass media; opinion polls; funding.
Recent General Elections (knowledge of at least three elections is required)
Reasons for holding; campaigns; results; reasons for
victory/loss.
By-elections
Nature of and differences from general elections; significance.
British parliamentary elections and democracy.
Contributions to the democratic process; criticisms.
Key developments relating to UK Parliamentary elections.
Assignments
Definitions of key concepts
Notemaking
Group research and presentations on 1997, 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015 elections
Analysis of by-elections
Essay
Essential References
OCR, Government and Politics, pages - Read 88-118 – 90-97, then 98-103 (not table p101)
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government and Politics, Chapter 2
Politics Review, November 2014, UK Democracy: How could it be improved? Paul Fairclough
Politics Review, September 2011, Should Opinion Polls be banned during Election campaigns,
Anthony Bachelor and Neil McNaughton
Politics Review, September 2011, UK Media
Politics Review September 2010, The 2010 UK General Election, Colin Rallings and Michael
Thrasher
Page 21
Politics Review April 2011, The TV Debates: the game-changer of the campaign? Paul Fairclough
and Eric Magee
Additional References
www.heinemann.co.uk/hotlinks , insert express code 1818P 'Parliamentary Elections'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/election97/frameset.htm For statistics on 1997 General Election.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/vote2001 for statistics on 2001 General Election.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005 for statistics on 2005 General
Election
HoC research paper on 1997 election http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/rp2001/rp01-038.pdf
HoC research paper on 2001 election http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/rp2001/rp01-054.pdf
HoC research paper on 2005 election http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/rp2005/rp05-033.pdf
HoC research paper on 2010 election http://www.parliament.uk/briefingpapers/commons/lib/research/rp2010/RP10-036.pdf
HoC research paper on 2015 election http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7186
UK Polling Report - http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/
Politics Review September 2012, The UK Political System: Is it Democratic? Gerry Stoker
Politics Review April 2009, Do by-elections matter? 2008 by-elections evaluated, Paul Fairclough
and Eric Magee
Politics Review September 2005, UK General Election 2005
Talking Politics January 2006, 2005 General Election
Politics Review September 2001, General Election 2001: repeat or revolution?
AS Essay question:
Explain why the Conservative Party lost the general elections of 2001 and 2005. [30]
OCR Specimen Material
How important has the campaign been in deciding the outcome of recent general elections?
January 2009
How democratic are elections for the House of Commons? [30]
June 2009
Compare and contrast the differences between general elections and by-elections. [30]
January 2010
Discuss the view that the Labour Party won the 2001 and 2005 general elections because of its
policies. [30]
June 2010
Page 22
How important has the mass media been in deciding the outcome of recent general elections?
[30]
January 2011
Discuss the reasons for the result of the May 2010 general election. [30]
June 2011
Discuss the view that fixed date elections for the House of Commons are a good idea. [30]
January 2012
Discuss the view that the Labour and Conservative parties need to change the way they choose their
parliamentary candidates.
June 2012
Discuss the view that by elections for the House of Commons are of little real importance. [30]
January 2013
Discuss the importance of party leaders in influencing the result of recent general elections. [30]
June 2013
Discuss the view that elections in the UK no longer fulfil their purpose.
June 2014
To what extent do the results of recent general elections support the view that further reform to the
electoral system for the House of Commons is needed?
June 2015
Page 23
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK
Topic 6: Voting behaviour in the UK
4 weeks
Concepts:
Class and party de-alignment
Content:
Factors associated with voting behaviour
For example, long-term: class, age, sex, ethnicity, region, party
identification; short-term: issues, recent and future performance,
party principles, party leadership, party image, mass media,
campaign.
Models of voting behaviour
For example, social structures model; party identification model;
rational choice model; dominant ideology model; voting context
model.
Trends in voting behaviour
For example, party support; turnout and abstention; tactical
voting; protest voting.
Key developments relating to voting behaviour
Assignments
Notemaking
How2Vote online exercise - http://www.how2vote.co.uk/
Paired analysis and presentations on different structural aspects of voting behaviour
Essay
Essential references
OCR, Government and Politics p118-143
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government & Politics. 2010, Chapter 2
Politics Review November 2012, How important is issue voting? Jane Green
Politics Review February 2010, Enhancing Democracy: how might participation be improved?
Paul Whiteley
Politics Review Nov 2008, Valence and Volatility: Explaining party choice in the 21st century,
David Denver
Additional references
David Denver, Christopher Carman and Robert Johns, Elections and Voters in Britain
Religion and the 2015 General Election - http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2015/religion-and-thegeneral-election/
Page 24
Earlham Sociology pages - http://www.earlhamsociologypages.co.uk/vbint.htm
Politics Review September 2006, The State of participation in Britain & In focus - Voting and nonvoting behaviour
Talking Politics September 2003, Modern myths of electoral apathy
AS Essay Questions:
Discuss the view that class is still the most important factor influencing the way people vote. [30]
OCR Specimen Material
Discuss the view that class is no longer an important factor influencing the way people vote. [30]
January 2009
Discuss the view that the decline in turnout at elections is the most important trend in voting
behaviour. [30]
June 2009
To what extent does the ‘rational choice’ model explain the way people vote? [30]
January 2010
Discuss the view that the mass media is the most important factor influencing the way people vote.
[30]
June 2010
Discuss the view that it is the party leader that is the most important factor influencing voting
behaviour. [30]
January 2011
To what extent is the “social structures” model still the best way of explaining why people vote the
way they do? [30]
June 2011
Assess the reasons for the low turnout at elections in the United Kingdom. [30]
January 2012
Discuss the view that the election campaign has little impact on the way people vote.
June 2012
Discuss the view that it is party policies that now determine how people vote in
general elections [30]
January 2013
To what extent is the rational choice model now the best way of explaining how people vote? [30]
June 2013
Page 25
Discuss the view that short-term factors are now a better explanation of voting behaviour than longterm factors. [30]
June 2014
To what extent is a government’s record in office an important factor influencing how people vote?
[30]
June 2015
Page 26
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK
Topic 7: The Executive (Mandatory)
Concepts
Power ; authority; legitimacy; accountability; parliamentary government.
Content:
Executives
Definition; roles and functions; powers.
The Prime Minister
Role; powers; limits relationship with the cabinet.
The Cabinet
Role; membership; structure; collective responsibility.
Ministers and the Civil Service
and senior civil servants.
Roles; ministerial responsibility; relationship between ministers
Key developments in the core executive.
Assignments
A/S essay questions:
Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain the different roles of ministers and
senior civil servants. [12]
Using the sources and you own knowledge, assess whether individual ministerial
responsibility is still an important constitutional convention? [28]
Discuss the view that the cabinet is no longer an important part of the UK system of
government [30]
Discuss the view that the conventions of collective and ministerial responsibility are no
longer important [30]
Note making.
Role playing on different models within Whitehall
Essential references
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government and Politics
OCR, Government and Politics p144 – 172
Politics Review, April 2015, Ministers and civil servants: a broken relationship
Politics Review, February 2015, The prime minister: has the coalition government affected prime
ministerial power?
Politics Review, February 2014, The Cabinet is it under threat?
Page 27
Politics Review, February 2014, The Cabinet is it under threat?
Politics Review, November 2013, Prime Ministerial Power has it changed since1997
Politics Review, February 2013, The core executive and coalition government
Politics Review, February 2013, David Cameron. How powerful is a coalition PM?
Politics Review November 2012, The Cabinet Office
Politics Review, Feb 2011, Do ministers matter?
Politics Review, September 2011, Interview David Willetts’ special adviser
Politics Review, Sept 2010, The coalition and the core executive
Politics Review, Sept 2010, Gordon Brown a failed PM?
Politics Review, November 2009, Whatever happened to Cabinet government?
Politics Review, April 2010, What is good government?
Politics Review, April 2009, AS concept: Collective and individual ministerial responsibility”
Politics Review, February 2009, Ministerial accountability “It’s Balls”
Additional References
Politics Review, Feb. 2002, Parliamentary and presidential styles of government
Politics Review, Nov. 2003, C.S. Rules?
Politics Review, Sept. 2001, Tony Blair as P.M.
Politics Review, Nov 2004, The UK and US Cabinet
Politics Review, April 2005, Still First Amongst Equals?
Politics Review, Feb. 2006, What's New? Prime Ministerial Power
Politics Review, Nov. 2006, The Blair Premiership
Judging Prime Ministerial Performance
Politics Review, Sept. 2007, Prime ministerial and presidential powers compared
Politics Review, Feb. 2008, Prime ministerial predominance
The Core Executive in Britain, Martin Smith.
P.M. And Cabinet Government, Neil MacNaughton.
P.M. And Cabinet Today, Graham P. Thomas.
The British Presidency, Michael Foley.
The Powers Behind the P.M., Kavanagh and Seldon.
Websites:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/
www.heinemann.co.uk/hotlinks, insert the express code 1818P
Page 28
AS essay questions:
Discuss the view that the cabinet is no longer an important part of the UK system of government.
[30]
OCR Specimen Paper
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge describe the roles of the Cabinet. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge discuss the view that there are too few limits on the
power of the PM. [28]
January 2009
Discuss the view that the conventions of collective and ministerial responsibility are no longer
important. [30]
June 2009
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain the different roles of
(i) ministers [6]
(ii) senior civil servants [6]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, assess whether individual ministerial responsibility
is still an important constitutional convention. [28]
January 2010
Discuss the view that the appointment and dismissal of ministers is the Prime Minister’s most
important power. [30]
June 2010
Discuss the view that the cabinet is no longer an important part of the executive of the UK. [30]
January 2011
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, describe the roles of the Prime Minister. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that there are too few limits to
prime ministerial power. [28]
June 2011
a) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the functions of the Cabinet. [12]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that the power of the PM is in
decline. [28]
January 2012
To what extent has prime ministerial power changed since 1997? [30]
June 2012
Discuss the view that the UK executive has too much power. [30]
January 2013
Page 29
a i) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the convention of collective ministerial
responsibility [6]
a ii) Using the sources and your own knowledge, outline the convention of individual ministerial
responsibility. [6]
b) Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the importance of collective and individual
ministerial responsibility to the UK system of government. [28]
June 2013
To what extent does the premiership of David Cameron show that the PM has too much power? [30]
June 2014
To what extent has prime ministerial power changed since 2010? [30]
June 2015
Page 30
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK
Topic 8: The constitution
5 weeks
Concepts:
Devolution; sovereignty; the rule of law; separation of powers; federalism
Content:
Constitutions
Definition; nature; role and functions.
Sources of the UK constitution
The royal prerogatives; conventions; common law; statute law; works of
authority; membership of international organisations.
Characteristics of constitutions
Flexible and rigid constitutions; written and unwritten constitutions;
codified and uncodified constitutions.
The underlying principles
of the UK constitution
Constitutional reform
The sovereignty of parliament; the rule of law; parliamentary
government; constitutional monarchy.
Major reforms since 1997.
Key developments in the UK constitution and constitutional reform
Assignments
Definitions of key concepts
Notemaking
Research and presentations on different constitutional systems in other countries
Research on political parties’ views on constitutional change
Essay
Essential references
OCR, Government and Politics, p204 - 233
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government & Politics, 2010, Chapter 6
Politics Review, February 2014, Debate: Should the UK have a codified constitution? Paul Jeater
and Ian Richards
Politics Review, February 2015, UK Constitution: is it a sufficient check on executive power?
Philip Norton
Politics Review, April 2015, What next for the Union? The constitutional implications of the
Scottish referendum, Brian Walker
Politics Review, February 2014, Constitutional Reform: Unfinished Business? Kay Moxon
Politics Review, April 2014, Focus on Constitutional Conventions, Nick Gallop
Politics Review, February 2013, The UK Constitution: Why has it been criticised? Philip Norton
Politics Review, September 2011, AS Focus on Fixed Term Parliaments, David Stoten
Page 31
Additional references
Vernon Bogdanor, The New British Constitution, 2009
Vernon Bogdanor, The Coalition and the Constitution, 2011
Politics Review September 2010, The UK Supreme Court: an initial assessment, Paul Fairclough
Politics Review November 2010, Devolution since 2007, Alan Trench
Politics Review February 2010, Sovereignty and Devolution: quasi-federalism? Vernon Bogdanor
Politics Review September 2008, A Codified Constitution for Britain? Vernon Bogdanor
Politics Review February 2008 p26, The Constitution under Gordon Brown, Philip Norton
Politics Review February 2009, Judges in the modern British Constitution
Politics Review September 2006, The Unsettled Constitution
Politics Review February 2009, Concept: Codified and Uncodified constitutions
Politics Review April 2009, Devolution in the UK: What’s wrong with the status quo? Charlie
Jeffrey
Politics Review November 2007 p2, The English Question, Vernon Bogdanor
Politics Review February 2008 p14, Challenges to the Westminster Model, David Richards and
David Blunkett
Politics Review April 2008 p17, Does Britain need a Bill of Rights? Helen Wildbore
Politics Review April 2009, Devolution in the UK: what’s wrong with the status quo? Charlie
Jeffery
Politics Review April 2008 p26, Conservatism and Constitutional Reform, Philip Lynch
Politics Review September 2008, A decade of electoral reform in the UK, Thomas Lundberg
Politics Review Vol 13 No 2 (November 2003), The changing British Constitution
Websites:
The Constitution Unit - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/
Unlock Democracy - http://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/
Republic - http://www.republic.org.uk
Campaign for Direct Democracy - http://www.iniref.org/index1.html
Lib Dems - http://www.libdems.org.uk
Conservative Party - http://www.conservatives.com/
Labour Party - http://www.labour.org.uk
AS essay question:
Discuss the importance of the constitutional changes which have occurred in the United Kingdom
since 1997. [30]
OCR Specimen Material
Discuss the view that the constitutional reforms since 1997 have been of limited impact. [30]
January 2009
Page 32
Discuss the case both for and against the UK continuing with its unwritten constitution. [30]
June 2009
Discuss the view that the sovereignty of parliament is the most important underlying principle of
the British constitution. [30]
January 2010
Discuss the view that statute law is the most important source of the UK constitution. [30]
June 2010
Discuss the view that further constitutional reform is needed in the UK. [30]
January 2011
Discuss the view that the British constitution is too flexible. [30]
June 2011
Discuss the view that the reform of the House of Lords has been the most important constitutional
change in the UK since 1997. [30]
January 2012
Discuss the view that the main advantage of a written constitution would be to limit the power of
the executive. [30]
June 2012
To what extent is the royal prerogative the most important source of the constitution of
the UK? [30]
January 2013
Discuss the view that the rule of law is the most important underlying principle of the UK’s
constitution. [30]
June 2013
Make out a case for and against having a written constitution in the UK. [30]
June 2014
To what extent do the advantages of having a flexible constitution outweigh the disadvantages?
June 2015
Page 33
OCR AS GCE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
AS Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK
Topic 9: The European Union
Concepts
Federalism; devolution; subsidiarity; sovereignty.
Content:
The EU
Nature; origins; aims and objectives.
The structure of the EU
The Council; the Council of Ministers; the Commission; the
European Parliament; the European Court of Justice; the
decision making process.
How decisions are made
Policy making process; role and power of major EU bodies and
member states.
The impact of membership of the EU on the British Government, politics and constitution
Impact on British government and politics; issues such as
enlargement and the euro.
Key developments in the EU affecting the UK.
Assignments
Note making
Definitions:
- Sovereignty
- Supranational
- Intergovernmental
- Subsidiarity
- QMV
- Federalism
- Confederalism
- Democratic deficit
- Multi-level governance
Internet research on UK political parties and Europe
Research and presentations on the European Parliament – party groups and recent legislation
Test on knowledge of key EU institutions
Essential references
Lynch & Fairclough, UK Government and Politics, Chapter 11
OCR, Government and Politics pages 266- 299
Politics Review February 2014, The European Parliament: Does it matter? Richard Whittaker
Politics Review September 2012, Debate: Should the UK remain in the EU? Kay Moxon and
Richard MacEwan
Page 34
Politics Review April 2009, Where does power lie in the European Union, Richard Whitaker and
Philip Lynch
Politics Review February 2011, Has Lisbon changed anything in the EU? David Phinnemore
Additional References
Alasdair Blair, The European Union: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guides)
Politics Review, February 2012, The Coalition and the EU, Philip Lynch
Talking Politics, April 2007, Why is Turkey such a controversial member of the EU?
Politics Review, September 2006, Another EU enlargement: but then what?
Websites:
www.parliament.uk
www.open.gov.uk/
www.charter88.org.uk/home.html
EU Web sites: http://www.europarl.en.int/uk/
http://europa.eu/
http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/eu.html
Page 35
AS GCE Assessment Matrix
There are four levels of assessment of all three AOs in the AS units. Level 4 is the highest level
that can reasonably be expected from a candidate at the end of the first year of study of an
Advanced GCE course.
Level
4
3
Assessment Objective 1
Assessment Objective 2
Assessment Objective 3
Thorough and accurate
knowledge and clear and
detailed understanding of
relevant concepts, ideas and
political systems. Where
appropriate candidates will
provide convincing
comparisons between them.
High level of skill in the interpretation,
analysis and evaluation of relevant
political information (including, where
appropriate, the identification of
parallels, connections, similarities and
differences with other political systems
including the EU). Ability to recognise
bias and faulty argument and to reason
effectively towards an individual and
informed conclusion.
Ability to distinguish relevant
and important factors correctly
and integrate these into a
balanced, well-focused
argument. Ability to
communicate this clearly and
present it legibly and logically
in fluent coherent style
containing few, if any, errors of
grammar, punctuation and
spelling.
Good knowledge and
understanding of relevant
concepts, ideas and political
systems. Where appropriate
candidates will provide good
comparisons between them.
Good level of skill in the interpretation,
analysis and evaluation of the relevant
political information (including, where
appropriate, the identification of
parallels, connections, similarities and
differences with other political systems
including the EU). Some attempt to
recognise bias and faulty argument
and to reason sensibly towards a
sound conclusion.
Ability to identify the most
important factors and present a
relevant argument legibly and
clearly if, at times, lacking
incisiveness. There may be
occasional errors of grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
Limited knowledge and
understanding of relevant
concepts, ideas and political
systems. Limited awareness of
standard points of comparison.
Limited level of skill in the
interpretation, analysis and evaluation
of the relevant political information
(including, where appropriate, the
identification of parallels, connections,
similarities and differences with other
political systems including the EU).
Limited attempt to explain a few of the
more obvious points central to the
question and to recognise and
describe some differing viewpoints.
Reasoning may be incomplete and,
while opinions may be offered, they are
unlikely to be supported by argument.
Limited attempt to distinguish
relevant material, which is
assembled into a limited
argument with some sense of
order and legibility. There may
be some errors of grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
Basic and generalised
knowledge and understanding
of relevant concepts, ideas and
political systems. Such
knowledge and understanding
will be incomplete and/or of
tenuous relevance and may
contain significant errors. Basic
awareness of standard points
of comparison.
Basic skill in the interpretation, analysis
and evaluation of some of the relevant
political information (including, where
appropriate, the identification of
parallels, connections, similarities and
differences with other political systems
including the EU). Basic attempt to
explain the simpler points central to the
question and it is likely that only one
viewpoint will be recognised. There will
be little evidence of reasoning.
An attempt is made to shape
an argument at a basic level,
which lacks coherence,
legibility and direction, and is
unselective. Contains intrusive
errors of grammar, punctuation
and spelling.
2
1
Page 36
A/S UK Government and Politics Assessment Sheet
Title of Essay:
Date of Essay:
When you have finished your essay please fill in the first two parts of this assessment sheet. Your
teacher will fill in the remaining sections.
1 Independent Learning

How many articles did you read and which ones?

Did you read any books? If so, which ones?

Did you use any other resources, e.g. the internet? If so, which ones?

How long did you spend PREPARING your essay? (Be honest!)
2 Completing your Essay

How much time did you spend WRITING your essay? (Again, be honest!)

Did you encounter any SPECIFIC problems? Give details.
3 Action Points after Feedback
Page 37
4 Teacher Assessment
Your essay will be marked out of 30 marks and assessed according to the grid below.
Objectives
Comment
Mark
AO1 Knowledge and understanding.
i.e. Do you know the relevant institutions,
theories and debates?
Do you have up-to-date examples?
Do you use the correct political terminology?
Do you show that you understand that
knowledge?
/12
AO2 Analysis and Evaluation.
i.e. How well do you keep focussing on the
demands of the question? How well do you
compare, assess, identify etc.?
Have you looked at two or more sides of the
argument?
Do you make a supported judgement in your
conclusion?
/12
AO3 Ability to construct an argument and
communicate it effectively making use of a
range of political vocabulary.
i.e. Do you have a central argument and
express yourself in a clear English?
Do you use paragraphs and spell accurately?
/6
Overall Mark :
/ 30
5 Teacher's overall comment including targets for improvement
6 Possible grade based on this mark
Page 38