Assessment structure Revision Notes

Linear Qualification

• All exams are taken at the end of the course.
• The three papers are examined in the same series.

Paper 1 – UK Government and Politics

• 2‑hour written exam.
• 77 marks, one‑third of the final grade.
• Focuses on the UK constitution, institutions, public policy and political behaviour.

Paper 2 – US Government and Comparative Politics

• 2‑hour written exam.
• 77 marks, one‑third of the final grade.
• Covers the US political system, policy making and a comparative section that asks for explicit comparisons with the UK.

Paper 3 – Political Ideas

• 2‑hour written exam.
• 77 marks, one‑third of the final grade.
• Requires analysis of political theories, concepts and their application to contemporary issues.

Answer Types

1. 9‑mark structured response – 3 substantiated points, clear structure, relevant vocabulary and examples.
2. 25‑mark extract‑based response – read a passage, identify arguments, analyse and evaluate them, then give a reasoned conclusion.
3. 25‑mark essay – balanced argument, evidence, parallels, contrasts, and a clear conclusion.
4. Comparative essay (Paper 2) – explicit comparison of UK and US institutions, processes and outcomes.

Comparison of UK and US Systems

• Executive: UK has a parliamentary system with a Prime Minister; US has a presidential system with a separate executive.
• Legislature: UK Parliament is bicameral but the House of Commons holds primary power; US Congress is bicameral with a balance of power between House and Senate.
• Judiciary: UK’s judiciary is independent but judges are appointed by the monarch on advice; US Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
• Political Parties: UK tends to have a two‑party dominance with occasional third‑party influence; US has a strong two‑party system with limited third‑party impact.
• Policy Making: UK policy is often shaped by the party in government; US policy involves a complex interplay of executive, legislative and judicial checks.

Understanding these differences is essential for the comparative essay in Paper 2.