Exam-style question
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Which comparison most effectively evaluates reasoning leading reasoned conclusion — Comprehend and interpret arguments in political information for a 25-mark extract-based response, analysing and evaluating the arguments through a balanced and sustained line of reasoning leading to a reasoned conclusion? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from Question types.
- A.the UK constitution is uncodified and retains parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Constitution is codified, federal and based on a formal separation of powers; this matters because different constitutional rules alter institutional checks and accountability.
- B.The UK and USA have identical structures for constitutional arrangements.
- C.Only political culture matters, so institutions can be ignored when comparing constitutional arrangements.
- 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 constitution is uncodified and retains parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Constitution is codified, federal and based on a formal separation of powers; this matters because different constitutional rules alter institutional checks and accountability.
- The extract shows the meaning of this argument and its implication for the political issue.
Explanation
Why this works
the UK constitution is uncodified and retains parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Constitution is codified, federal and based on a formal separation of powers; this matters because different constitutional rules alter institutional checks and accountability. This is correct because AO2 requires an explicit institutional comparison and explains that different constitutional rules alter institutional checks and accountability.
Apply parliamentary sovereignty, codification, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, conventions and judicial review precisely. the UK constitution is uncodified and retains parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the US Constitution is codified, federal and based on a formal separation of powers.
A structural viewpoint emphasises formal rules; however, a rational or cultural viewpoint may explain how actors use those rules. Overall, judge the evidence from an Act, convention, constitutional provision, ruling or institutional example and explain whether different constitutional rules alter institutional checks and accountability for "Comprehend and interpret arguments in political information for a 25-mark extract-based response, analysing and evaluating the arguments through a balanced and sustained line of reasoning leading to a reasoned conclusion.".
This shows how the extract's argument should be interpreted before it is evaluated.
Common mistake
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