Assessment structure Key Terms

Linear qualification

A course structure where all examinations are taken at the end of the study period, usually in a single series.

Assessment series

The specific timeframe during which all exams for a linear qualification are administered.

Paper 1

The first paper of the AQA A-level Politics qualification, covering the Government and politics of the UK.

77 marks

The total marks awarded for Paper 1, constituting one third of the overall A-level assessment.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional principle whereby each branch of government has powers that can limit or influence the actions of the other branches, ensuring no single branch becomes dominant.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The doctrine that Parliament has the ultimate legal authority in the UK, able to pass or repeal any law without judicial interference.

Political ideas

Theories, concepts and ideologies that underpin political systems and debates.

Paper 3

The political ideas paper of the AQA A-Level Politics qualification, a two‑hour written exam worth 77 marks.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental authority into distinct branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent concentration of power.

Judicial Review

The process by which courts examine the lawfulness of actions taken by public bodies.

Constitutional Convention

An unwritten practice that is widely observed in a political system but is not legally enforceable.

Uncodified Constitution

A constitution that is not written in a single, formal document but is made up of statutes, conventions, judicial decisions, and historical practices.

Constitutional rule

A legally enforceable principle codified in a constitution or statute.

Political convention

A widely accepted practice that is not legally binding but is followed by political actors.

Prime Minister

Head of the UK government, leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, and chief executive of the cabinet.

Presidency

The office of the President of the United States, the head of state and head of government, elected independently of Congress.