Exam-style question
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What evidence would allow a candidate to assess political significance Supreme Court — debates about the political significance of the Supreme Court? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from The judicial branch of government.
- A.the UK Supreme Court interprets law within parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Supreme Court can invalidate legislation that conflicts with the codified Constitution; this matters because constitutional foundations alter judicial power, appointments and political impact.
- B.The UK and USA have identical structures for judicial power and independence.
- C.Only political culture matters, so institutions can be ignored when comparing judicial power and independence.
- D.Describe the UK and USA separately without identifying a similarity, difference or consequence.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is the UK Supreme Court interprets law within parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Supreme Court can invalidate legislation that conflicts with the codified Constitution; this matters because constitutional foundations alter judicial power, appointments and political impact.
Explanation
Why this works
the UK Supreme Court interprets law within parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Supreme Court can invalidate legislation that conflicts with the codified Constitution; this matters because constitutional foundations alter judicial power, appointments and political impact. This is correct because AO2 requires an explicit institutional comparison and explains that constitutional foundations alter judicial power, appointments and political impact.
Apply judicial review, parliamentary sovereignty, constitutional supremacy, appointments, tenure, precedent and rights adjudication precisely. the UK Supreme Court interprets law within parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Supreme Court can invalidate legislation that conflicts with the codified Constitution.
A structural viewpoint emphasises formal rules; however, a rational or cultural viewpoint may explain how actors use those rules. Overall, judge the evidence from a named ruling, appointment process, constitutional provision or institutional conflict and explain whether constitutional foundations alter judicial power, appointments and political impact for "Analyse and evaluate debates about the political significance of the Supreme Court.".
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