[C070/SQP120]
Intermediate 1
Politics
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
NATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
Specimen Question Paper
Fill in these boxes and read what is printed below.
Full name of school or college
Town
First name and initials
Surname
Date of birth
Day Month Year
Candidate number
Number of seat
60 marks are available for this paper.
Section A: Political Theory
Section B: Political Structures
Section C: Political Behaviour
1.
Read every question carefully.
2.
Answer all the questions as fully as you can.
3.
If you cannot do a question, go on to the next one. Try again later.
4.
Write your answers clearly in the spaces provided. If you require extra paper, ask the
invigilator. Remember to indicate clearly in the left hand margin the section and question
being answered.
5.
Before leaving the examination room you must give this book to the invigilator. If you do
not, you may lose all the marks for this paper.
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Marks
Section A: Political Theory
Answer ALL questions.
A1.
Study the sources below
Political concepts are building blocks which help us to understand political systems.
VOTE
REPUBLI
CAN
A Democracy
DAILY PLANET
EDUCATION
MINISTER
NO
AN UNCES NEW
PLANS FOR
SCHOOLS AND
COLLEGES
B
Power
C Authority
D Representation
LINCOLN
MARX
n of the
nstitutio
ca
The Co
f Ameri
States o
United
e
th
of
people
a
We the
Americ
.........
States of
............
United
............
...
... ......
.........
............
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
............
...
...
...
...
DISRAELI
E
Responsibility
F
Constitution
G The State
MAO
H Ideology
Choose one of the concepts above.
(a)
Describe briefly the meaning of the concept you have chosen.
Concept
Meaning
4
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(b)
Briefly describe an example of your chosen concept in two different political systems you
have studied.
Marks
Political System 1
Example
2
Political System 2
Example
2
A2.
Study the Factfile below.
Factfile
(a)
A.
I cannot be arrested or imprisoned without a trial.
B.
Everyone should have food, shelter, health care and an education.
C.
Men and women now have the same voting privileges.
D.
If found guilty of a crime, the sentence should be an appropriate punishment.
Choose two of the political ideas below and write the letter of the Factfile statement that
best illustrates that political idea.
Equality
Freedom
Rights
Justice
2
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(b)
Choose one of the political ideas above.
Marks
Give an example of this idea from two political systems you have studied.
Political System 1
Example
2
Political System 2
Example
2
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A3.
(a)
Choose one of the following political models.
•
Conservatism
•
Socialism
•
Liberalism
•
Nationalism
Marks
Describe two main features of your chosen political model.
Model:
Feature 1:
Feature 2:
4
(b)
Choose another of the political models above.
Identify one policy for the model using any political system you have studied.
2nd model:
Policy :
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[END OF SECTION A]
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Section B: Political Structures
Marks
Answer ALL questions.
B4.
Choose either
or
a presidential executive
a parliamentary executive.
Executive:
(a)
Describe two key features of your chosen executive.
Feature 1:
Feature 2:
4
(b)
Describe briefly the powers available to your chosen executive in a political system you
have studied.
4
B5.
What are the main differences between the upper and lower assemblies in the legislature of
a political system you have studied.
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B6.
Marks
Study the view below.
Judges are carefully selected and totally independent. Their main job is to settle arguments
between individuals, companies and governments. In many countries they make sure that
new laws do not go against the Constitution.
(View of Judge Parker)
(a)
Describe briefly what Judge Parker means by judges being totally independent.
2
(b)
Describe briefly the role of judges in a political system you have studied.
5
(20)
[END OF SECTION B]
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Marks
Section C: Political Behaviour
Answer ALL questions.
C7.
(a)
Choose one of the key factors of political socialisation listed below.
•
Family
•
Peer groups
•
Workplace
•
Education
•
Religion
•
Media
Briefly describe the ways the key factor chosen may affect political socialisation.
4
(b)
Study the graph below.
1997 Election
60
57%
First
time
voters 30
(%)
19%
18%
0
Conservative
Labour
Liberal Democrats
Using the graph above, what conclusion do you draw about the parties supported in the
1997 election by first time voters? Give a reason for your conclusion.
2
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C8.
(a)
Study Sources 1 and 2 below then answer the question which follows.
1995 SCOTTISH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS
SOURCE 1
SOURCE 2
PERCENTAGE VOTE FOR EACH
PARTY
NUMBER OF SEATS WON BY EACH PARTY
600
614
500
Labour
44%
400
300
Others
9%
Conservative
11%
Liberal
Democrats
10%
200
182
100
82
s
er
th
O
P
e
iv
at
rv
se
s
al at
er cr
ib o
L em
D
SN
on
C
r
ou
ab
L
SNP
26%
158
123
Marks
Using Sources 1 and 2 above, provide evidence for and against the view that the 1995
Council election results represent the views of most Scottish voters.
4
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(b)
Choose one form of political participation below.
•
Elections
•
Direct action (from demonstrations to revolution)
•
Referenda
•
Membership of political parties and interest groups
Marks
Give two examples of political participation from a political system you have studied.
4
C9.
(a)
What is the key difference between a political party and a pressure group?
2
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(b)
Study the cartoon below on the selection process for a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate.
1
Marks
2
Interview with Party Officials
Application Form
3
4
National party Weekend Selection
Meeting
Party Approved List of candidates
5
6
Local Party chooses candidates from
approved list for interview
7
Constituency Party Officials
interview possible candidates
8
Interview candidate’s husband or wife
Constituency members agree to
choice made by interview panel
The ordinary Conservative party members have a big say in choosing their candidate.
Using the information in the cartoon, do you agree with the view expressed above? Give
reasons for your answer.
[END OF QUESTION PAPER]
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Intermediate 1
Politics
NATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
Specimen Marking Instructions
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SECTION A
Generally mark in whole marks – one mark for each relevant point and two marks for each
developed point. Credit alternative references that are relevant and accurate.
Question A1
(a)
Candidates are required to describe their chosen concept. One word answers are not acceptable, there
must be some description. For candidates who describe only one point or feature, however much they
may write, only 2 marks can be awarded. Candidates can gain 4 marks in total.
Concept
Key/Main Features
A
Democracy
•
•
•
Participation by the people eg free elections;
Government should be open and accountable;
There should be civil and political rights (freedom).
B
Power
•
•
•
Ability to get things done;
To make others do what you want even if they do not want to;
Ability to reward or punish.
C
Authority
•
•
•
The right to have power eg police’s right to stop and search;
PM/President’s right to rule because of an election success;
Duty to obey those in authority even if we do not agree with what they say
eg teacher’s classroom rules.
D
Representation
•
•
To be elected to represent the views of constituents or electors;
To carry out the function of an agent or delegate eg trade union official, class
representative so that their views are heard.
E
Responsibility
•
•
Those chosen to represent are expected to be sensitive to the needs and wishes of
their constituents eg government looking after education with new plans;
Could mention the convention of ministerial responsibility or collective Cabinet
responsibility (if this example were used correctly, both marks should be
awarded);
Some notion of accountability could be referred to.
•
F
Constitution
•
•
•
A set of rules to guide a political system;
Outlines the powers of PM/President, Legislative Body and others;
May be written/unwritten or flexible/rigid or unitary/federal.
G
The State
•
•
•
Some geographical reference to territory and borders with others;
Notion of a unitary state (like UK) and federal state (like USA);
Set of institutions with a sovereign power (not necessarily a King or Queen).
H
Ideology
•
•
•
System of ideas/beliefs which help us understand our world;
Helps us analyse issues and recommend future action;
Correct reference to any ideology.
(b)
Given the wide range of acceptable answers to this part of the question there is an indicative example
given below. It is important that candidates are not rewarded for simply repeating what they have said in
answer to part (a). One word answers should not gain any marks. Up to 2 marks should be awarded for
each correct example. A total of 4 marks can be awarded to this question.
eg Chosen concept–Constitution • Political System One
Using the USA, the candidate could briefly describe how it has a
written constitution with the job of the President, Cabinet and
Congress explained and detailed.
• Political System Two
How the UK has an unwritten Constitution with no basic
constitutional document (Bill of Rights, Reform Acts and
Parliament Acts may be mentioned though).
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Question A2
(a)
One mark should be awarded for correctly identifying and matching a factfile statement with a political
idea. A total of 2 marks can be awarded to this question.
Political Idea
(b)
Factfile Statement
Equality
C
Freedom
A
Rights
B
Justice
D
Given the wide range of acceptable answers to this part of the question, there is an indicative example
given below. One word answers are not acceptable since the candidate has been asked to describe how
the political idea is used in two political systems. 2 marks should be awarded for each correct example.
A total of 4 marks can be awarded to this question.
eg
Political Idea
Freedom
•
•
Political Systems
Using the notion of freedom from arrest and imprisonment without trial it
should be easy to compare two different states eg UK has Habeas Corpus
which ensures individuals cannot be held without being charged and given a
trial. (Candidates are not expected to use the phrase Habeas Corpus but
may refer to it implicitly.) This can be compared with any other relevant
state either currently or historically eg Kosovo, Hitler’s Germany, Pol Pot in
Cambodia.
Question A3
(a)
Candidates are required to describe the main features of their chosen model. One word answers are not
acceptable, there must be some description. 2 marks are awarded for each main feature they describe. A
total of 4 marks can be awarded to this question.
Model
Key/Main Features
Conservatism
•
•
•
•
•
Believe in evolution not revolution;
Defend the established order;
Believe in ownership of property;
Encourage people to respect the law;
Economy should be free with little government interference.
Socialism
•
•
•
Individual behaviour can be explained by nurture rather than nature;
Cooperation is preferred to competition;
Social problems are due to how society is organised.
Liberalism
•
•
•
•
Believe in the importance of the individual rather than a group;
Individual freedom more important than equality;
Tolerant of different religions, ethnic groups and so on;
Believe in limited checks and balances on Government.
Nationalism
•
Main feature is national self-determination ie the right to decide how it is
governed by itself not by others eg Scotland should not be ruled from London;
Nations are defined by race, language, history, culture and/or religion.
•
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(b)
A correctly identified policy gains two marks. There is no need for description. A total of 2 marks can
be awarded to this question.
Model
Polices
Conservatism
•
•
•
Private Property–allowing people to buy their council houses;
Privatisation policies eg railways, airlines, Electricity, Gas . . . ;
Trade union reforms.
Socialism
•
•
•
Welfare State policies eg Health, Pension;
Education for all;
Nationalisation of major industrial concerns and public ownership of major
utilities like Gas, Electricity.
Liberalism
•
•
•
Believe in a Bill of Rights to spell out freedoms and to control governments;
Believe in proportional representation for elections to be fairer;
Would argue for legislation to guarantee freedom to act as one wishes “under the
law”.
Nationalism
•
•
•
•
Independence from central Government;
Right to have their own Parliament and elections;
Right to pass their own laws;
To raise taxation to pay for government.
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SECTION B
Question B4
(a)
One mark for each short point, 2 marks for a correctly described feature. One word answers are not
sufficient. A total of 4 marks can be awarded to this question.
Executive
Key Features
Presidential
•
•
•
Parliamentary
•
•
•
•
(b)
(Most common form of political executive in the world)
Usually elected for a fixed term to perform dual role of Head of State and Head of
Government;
Head of Armed Forces, Civil Service and Foreign Affairs;
Powers limited by the Constitution and need for approval of assembly.
(Second most common form of political executive in the world)
Role of Head of State is usually separate from Head of Government;
Head of State usually distinct from Party Politics;
Executive is drawn from the Assembly or Parliament;
Usually based on leader of the majority party or coalition becoming Prime
Minister.
Award each correctly described point 2 marks or 1 mark for being partially correct. A total of 4 marks can
be awarded to this question.
eg Executive
Political System
Presidential
•
•
•
•
If USA chosen, credit reference to 4 years fixed term (possibly 2 terms at most);
American President Head of Armed Forces;
President chooses own Cabinet–who do not have to be in Congress;
Congress has to agree to legislation wanted by President–limits Presidential
power.
Parliamentary
•
If UK chosen, credit reference to Head of State being Queen and Head of
Government being PM;
Example of Tony Blair being leader of majority party in the House of Commons;
PM’s Cabinet chosen from members of House of Commons and House of Lords;
Ease of getting laws passed depending on majority;
Elections called when PM wishes but within max 5 years;
Patronage.
•
•
•
•
•
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Question B5
For full credit should give two developed points. Up to 3 marks maximum if only describe one assembly
depending on detail and relevance.
The points below are indicative of the answers expected of candidates if the UK is chosen as an example
to describe the main differences between the upper and lower assemblies. Two marks should be awarded
for each correctly described point or 1 mark for being partially correct. A total of 5 marks can be
awarded.
Political System chosen
Upper and Lower Assembly Differences
UK (example)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lower Assembly is House of Commons and is elected, House of
Lords is Upper Assembly and is not;
Both chambers review legislation but the Lower House has the final
say–Bills can become law even if Upper House continually votes
against them;
House of Commons has more structured Committees to look at
legislation than the House of Lords;
House of Lords has a judicial role, the House of Commons has not in
terms of Appeals (only the Law Lords take part though);
Party lines are not as rigid in the House of Lords as House of
Commons;
Question Time is different in each of the Houses.
Question B6
(a)
Candidates are being asked to describe the independence of the judiciary. A total of 2 marks can be
awarded to this question or 1 mark for a partially correct answer.
Candidates should make reference to:
• Judges not being part of the Executive which makes the laws;
• Their judgements not being subject to ministerial direction or control;
• It is their role to interpret the law as it stands not to determine what the law should be.
(This is a difficult notion for candidates at this level so 2 marks should be awarded if any one of the
above points is correctly identified.)
(b)
2 marks should be awarded for each correctly described role or 1 mark for a partially correct answer. A
total of 5 marks can be awarded to this question.
Political System
Role of Judges
eg UK
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Judges appointed by the Executive through the Lord Chancellor;
To examine cases where citizens or organisations are accused of breaking the
law and to make judgements about whether or not they have done so;
To interpret the law and how it is judged in practice;
They can contribute to debates and votes in the House of Lords;
They can make speeches or publish articles;
They lead enquiries into controversial or difficult matters.
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SECTION C
Question C7
(a)
Candidates are required to describe the key features of one of the factors (or agents) of political
socialisation. Candidates should describe at least two key features and be awarded 2 marks for each
completely correct description and 1 mark for a partially correct response. 4 marks in total can be
awarded. The following are indicative.
Factor Chosen Key Features
Family
•
•
•
Workplace
•
•
•
Religion
•
•
•
(b)
How your parents vote may influence your own political sympathies;
Determines which ideas and values individuals learn and how these relate to
political support;
Learns rules of society and how to behave according to social class of family–an
important factor in voting behaviour.
Manual workers usually vote Labour and Managers/Executives vote Conservative
traditionally;
The influence of trade unions in the workplace may affect which party one votes
for;
Whether employed for a public or private organisation may affect party support.
Very influential in voting in some countries including UK eg N Ireland and areas
in Scotland and England;
May affect how we interpret particular policies of parties eg abortion,
homosexuality;
Significance in UK has dropped over the years.
2 marks Conclusion: Most first time voters supported Labour (1 mark).
Accurate use of percentages (1 mark).
Question C8
(a)
(b)
Candidates should make reference to the sources when providing evidence. Award up to 2 marks for
each conclusion depending upon the quality of explanation provided. 4 marks in total can be awarded.
Evidence for
•
•
Labour won more votes than any other political party (44% –Source 1);
Labour won more seats than any other party, in fact more than all the others
put together (614–Source 2).
Evidence against
•
Labour received less than 50% of the votes.
4 marks in total. Candidates should make reference to any two of the following forms of political
participation. Award up to 2 marks for a correct choice and example from the political system they have
chosen. 1 mark to be awarded for partially correct answers.
•
•
•
•
Writing a letter to a local councillor, MP, MEP or MSP in Scotland.
Joining a pressure group or political party.
Campaigning on behalf of a political party or pressure group.
Collecting and signing petitions. Any other appropriate examples of political participation.
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Question C9
(a)
Candidates should be awarded 2 marks for providing an answer which covers the key difference between
a political party and a pressure group.
•
Any organised group that does not put up candidates for election but seeks to influence government
policy can be described as a pressure group.
(b) Candidates should be awarded 2 marks for each correct reason given. These reasons must be linked to the
source. 1 mark for partially correct reasons. 4 marks in total to be awarded for this question.
•
•
Source 1 makes it clear that the process is dominated either by party headquarters or by a small
group from the constituency party.
Most constituency members only become involved when it is time to endorse a decision already taken
by others.
[END OF MARKING INSTRUCTIONS]
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