ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
Government and Politics
Assessment Unit A2 1
Comparative Government
* AGP11*
[AGP11]
Assessment
Assessment Level of Control:
TIME Tick the relevant box (✓)
2 hours 15 minutes. Controlled Conditions
Other
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number on the Answer Booklet provided.
Choose either Option A: The United States of America and the United Kingdom
or Option B: The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
From your chosen option answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
The total mark for this paper is 100 marks.
Quality of written communication will be assessed in Questions 3, 4, 6(a) and 6(b).
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the marks awarded to
each question or part question.
ADVICE TO CANDIDATES
You are advised to take account of the marks for each part question in allocating the available
examination time. Study the Source before attempting to answer Questions 2 and 4 and refer to
the Source in your answers.
12432
, Option A: A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of
the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK)
Answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B
Section A: The Government and Politics of the USA
Read the Source below and refer to it in your answers to Questions 2 and 4.
Source
Critics of Congress argue that it has become a negative influence within the US
political system. Congress was intended to act as a check on executive power,
under the system of checks and balances. Critics argue that Congress now exceeds
this role, preventing presidents from taking necessary and desirable actions. For
example, President Obama’s attempts to extend gun controls were defeated, despite
widespread popular support for reform. One reason for Congress acting to frustrate
presidential aims is the alarming growth in the power of lobby groups which are able
to “buy” Members of Congress. On the other hand, there are those who argue that
presidents have an enormous range of powers to overcome Congressional opposition.
1 What is meant by the term “split-ticket voting”? Support your answer with a
relevant example. [5]
2 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, identify and
explain two ways in which lobby groups can influence Members of Congress (Source, lines
7 and 8) . [10]
3 Explain how the Senate can influence Presidential appointments. [15]
4 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, assess the
view that Congress prevents the President from taking “necessary and desirable actions”.
[30]
12432 2
General Certificate of Education
Government and Politics
Assessment Unit A2 1
Comparative Government
* AGP11*
[AGP11]
Assessment
Assessment Level of Control:
TIME Tick the relevant box (✓)
2 hours 15 minutes. Controlled Conditions
Other
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number on the Answer Booklet provided.
Choose either Option A: The United States of America and the United Kingdom
or Option B: The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
From your chosen option answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
The total mark for this paper is 100 marks.
Quality of written communication will be assessed in Questions 3, 4, 6(a) and 6(b).
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the marks awarded to
each question or part question.
ADVICE TO CANDIDATES
You are advised to take account of the marks for each part question in allocating the available
examination time. Study the Source before attempting to answer Questions 2 and 4 and refer to
the Source in your answers.
12432
, Option A: A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of
the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK)
Answer all six questions, the four in Section A and the two in Section B
Section A: The Government and Politics of the USA
Read the Source below and refer to it in your answers to Questions 2 and 4.
Source
Critics of Congress argue that it has become a negative influence within the US
political system. Congress was intended to act as a check on executive power,
under the system of checks and balances. Critics argue that Congress now exceeds
this role, preventing presidents from taking necessary and desirable actions. For
example, President Obama’s attempts to extend gun controls were defeated, despite
widespread popular support for reform. One reason for Congress acting to frustrate
presidential aims is the alarming growth in the power of lobby groups which are able
to “buy” Members of Congress. On the other hand, there are those who argue that
presidents have an enormous range of powers to overcome Congressional opposition.
1 What is meant by the term “split-ticket voting”? Support your answer with a
relevant example. [5]
2 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, identify and
explain two ways in which lobby groups can influence Members of Congress (Source, lines
7 and 8) . [10]
3 Explain how the Senate can influence Presidential appointments. [15]
4 With reference to the Source and any other relevant material you have studied, assess the
view that Congress prevents the President from taking “necessary and desirable actions”.
[30]
12432 2
