Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE Politics Advanced Paper 2: 9PL0/02 . UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas . QP And Mark Scheme

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Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE Thursday 4 June 2020 Politics Advanced Paper 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas 1 (a) Source 1 considers the changing role of backbench MPs. It was wri... tten in 2019 when Theresa May was still the Prime Minister. Source 1 In the mid-20th century, most backbenchers loyally did whatever the front benchers told them to do. Party loyalty was all important, and between 1945 and 1970 there were no government defeats due to backbench rebellions. Recently, May’s government was defeated more often in the Commons than Cameron’s, losing the vote on her ‘Brexit’ deal in January 2019 by 230 votes, after 118 Conservative MPs rebelled. Backbenchers are asserting parliament’s sovereignty. Whips are weaker and MPs are more willing to defy their party, claiming to ‘represent’ their constituents instead. Governments avoid defeats by backing down - as May did over additional grammar schools. MPs increasingly use select committees, urgent questions and the Backbench Business Committee to exert their influence. However, MPs continue to undertake constituency work, holding regular surgeries, representing their geographical area. They debate topical issues of the day. They act on constituents’ problems by asking questions, writing to ministers, voting for new legislation where needed and legitimising parliamentary decisions. Some argue that Brexit is very much a ‘one-off’, with a deeply divided minority government and a divided opposition. If so, government dominance may soon be restored. Or, alternatively, perhaps things will never be the same again. Using the source, evaluate the view that the principal role of backbench MPs is now to hold the government to account. In your response you must: • • • compare and contrast different opinions in the source examine and debate these views in a balanced way analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source. (30) 3 Do not answer Question 1(b) if you have answered Question 1(a). OR (b) Source 2 contains arguments for and against retaining our current constitutional arrangements. Source 2 Without entrenchment, it is too easy for a government with a simple majority to make significant constitutional changes which may threaten our fundamental rights. Entrenchment would require a written, codified constitution where constitutional changes would entail special procedures such as a two thirds majority in parliament or a referendum. Many of the fundamental principles of the UK’s political system exist in conventions, which are not enforceable. Significant constitutional reforms were begun by the Blair government but these are incomplete and we lack a comprehensive vision for the structure and rules of the political system. With our hereditary head of state and an appointed second chamber, the UK is out of step with other modern democracies. However, we are regarded as one of the most democratic countries in the world. The constitution has changed dramatically from an all-powerful monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary sovereignty. Much of our uncodified constitution has been written into our laws. Our rights have been respected and updated by politicians and protected by an independent judiciary. The principle of parliamentary sovereignty means that there is no higher ‘constitutional law’, and that parliament can legislate to respond flexibly to threats, such as terrorism. Using the source, evaluate the view that the UK’s constitution requires major change. In your response you must: • • • compare and contrast different opinions in the source examine and debate these views in a balanced way analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source. 2 (a) Evaluate the view that the Supreme Court has too much influence over the executive. In your answer you should draw on relevant knowledge and understanding of the study of Component 1: UK politics and core political ideas. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. (30) OR (b) Evaluate the view that since 2010 the UK has seen a return to cabinet government. In your answer you should draw on relevant knowledge and understanding of the study of Component 1: UK politics and core political ideas. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. (30) 11 Indicate which question you are answering by marking a cross in the box . If you change your mind, put a line through the box and then indicate your new question with a cross . Chosen question number: Question 2(a) Question 2(b) Anarchism EITHER 3 (a) To what extent are anarchist views on human nature utopian? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) OR (b) To what extent do anarchists agree on the need for common ownership in a future anarchist society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) (Total for Question 3 = 24 marks) Ecologism EITHER 4 (a) To what extent is ecologism more united than divided? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) OR (b) To what extent do ecologists agree on the type of future economy they wish to create? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) (Total for Question 4 = 24 marks) Feminism EITHER 5 (a) To what extent do feminists agree over the best ways to achieve social change? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) OR (b) To what extent do feminists agree that patriarchy is based on human nature? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) (Total for Question 5 = 24 marks) Multiculturalism EITHER 6 (a) To what extent does multiculturalism’s support for minority rights promote divisions in society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) OR (b) To what extent do multiculturalists agree over the type of society they wish to create? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) 7 (a) To what extent is nationalism more united than divided? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) OR (b) To what extent do nationalists have a pessimistic view of human nature? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. (24) [Show More]

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