The politics of the UK

This topic examines participation, elections, political parties, pressure groups and the European Union in UK politics. It covers the development of suffrage, democratic models, electoral systems, voting behaviour, referendums, party competition, party funding, media influence, pressure-group methods and political influence. Strong answers distinguish representative from direct democracy, explain how institutions and organisations affect participation and policy, and use relevant elections, campaigns, referendums or groups as evidence. Evaluation should consider representation, accountability, resources, participation, pluralism, national context and the extent to which political outcomes reflect public influence. Strong A-level responses should define the relevant political concepts, distinguish institutions and actors, use precise evidence and explain the consequences of the argument. Evaluation should test an alternative interpretation, consider the limits of the evidence and reach a judgement that answers the exact command word rather than repeating a general topic description.