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Comparative politics
This topic develops explicit comparison between UK and US government and politics. It covers constitutional arrangements, executives, legislatures, judiciaries, electoral systems, parties, pressure groups, rights and civil liberties, and the relationship between institutions and political outcomes. Comparison must identify a shared function or issue, explain a meaningful similarity or difference, and show why the institutional context produces that result. Strong answers use paired evidence from both systems, distinguish description from analysis, consider competing interpretations and reach a judgement about the relative effectiveness, accountability or democratic character of the UK and US arrangements. 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.
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Constitutional arrangements5 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US constitutional arrangements.
- Analyse and evaluate similarities and differences between UK and US constitutions and their impact on government and politics.
- Analyse and evaluate constitutional nature, sources, provisions, separation of powers and checks and balances in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate similarities and differences between UK devolution and US federalism.
- Analyse and evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the UK and US legislatures and the extent to which their roles and powers are comparable.
The executives3 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare the UK and US executives.
- Analyse and evaluate the roles and powers of the UK Prime Minister and US President, how they differ and the extent of their accountability to their legislatures.
- Analyse and evaluate the relationships of the UK Prime Minister and US President with other institutions of government.
The judiciaries4 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare the UK and US judiciaries.
- Analyse and evaluate similarities and differences between the UK and US Supreme Courts and their impact on government and politics.
- Analyse and evaluate the relative extent and constitutional bases of the powers of the UK and US Supreme Courts.
- Analyse and evaluate the relative independence of the judiciary in the UK and USA.
Electoral and party systems8 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US electoral and party systems.
- Analyse and evaluate elections and electoral systems used in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate the two party systems and how they operate in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate debates about campaign and party finance in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate degrees of internal party unity in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate explanations for US two-party dominance and UK movement towards a multi-party system.
- Analyse and evaluate third-party and independent candidates in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate party policies in the UK and USA.
Pressure groups3 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US pressure groups.
- Analyse and evaluate key similarities and differences between influences on government in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate the relative power, influence and methods of pressure groups in the UK and USA.
Civil rights4 objectives
- Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare civil rights in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate key similarities and differences in the protection of civil rights in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate debates about civil-rights issues in the UK and USA.
- Analyse and evaluate the methods, influence and effectiveness of civil-rights campaigns in the UK and USA.
Key terms
Exam tips
- Constitutional arrangements Politics exam tip 1: Use a precise political example to support each developed point. Apply this to use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US constitutional arrangements..
- Constitutional arrangements Politics exam tip 1: Use a precise political example to support each developed point. Apply this to analyse and evaluate similarities and differences between UK and US constitutions and their impact on government and politics..
Common mistakes
- Constitutional arrangements Politics mistake 1: Add a competing viewpoint, test it with political evidence, explain its limit and reach a substantiated judgement. Keep AO1, AO2 and AO3 distinct.
- Constitutional arrangements Politics mistake 1: Add a competing viewpoint, test it with political evidence, explain its limit and reach a substantiated judgement. Keep AO1, AO2 and AO3 distinct.
Practice preview
- Which political example would most clearly test approaches compare constitutional arrangements — Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US constitutional arrangements? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from Constitutional arrangements.
- Which method best supports AO3 evaluation of Constitutional arrangements? Focus on AQA A-Level Politics 7152.
- What distinction should frame an answer about approaches compare constitutional arrangements — Use structural, rational and cultural approaches to compare UK and US constitutional arrangements? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from Constitutional arrangements.
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