Exam-style question
Try this first
Which comparison most effectively evaluates presidential congressional elections campaigns — electoral systems used in the USA and the main characteristics of presidential and congressional elections and campaigns? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from The electoral process and direct democracy.
- A.a named election, electoral rule, finance rule, primary contest or third-party result linked to the comparison and its consequence for electoral systems and party competition.
- B.A definition of electoral systems and party competition with no UK-US application.
- C.A fact from another Politics component with no comparative link.
- D.A vague assertion that both countries work in the same way.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is a named election, electoral rule, finance rule, primary contest or third-party result linked to the comparison and its consequence for electoral systems and party competition.
Explanation
Why this works
a named election, electoral rule, finance rule, primary contest or third-party result linked to the comparison and its consequence for electoral systems and party competition. This is correct because political evidence must connect a named election, electoral rule, finance rule, primary contest or third-party result to the stated UK-US claim.
Apply constituencies, plurality voting, primaries, the Electoral College, congressional elections, campaign finance and party coalitions precisely. UK elections combine parliamentary competition and varied electoral systems, whereas US elections use presidential, congressional and primary contests within a federal system.
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 election, electoral rule, finance rule, primary contest or third-party result and explain whether electoral rules and campaign structures affect party unity, finance and opportunities for smaller parties for "Analyse and evaluate electoral systems used in the USA and the main characteristics of presidential and congressional elections and campaigns.".
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.
