AQA A-level POLITICS 7152/2 Paper 2 Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics: Mark scheme

AQA A-level POLITICS 7152/2 Paper 2 Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics: Mark scheme Level Marks Descriptors 3 7–9 • detailed knowledge of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • thorough explanations and appropriate selection of accurate supporting examples demonstrates detailed understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes (AO1). • analysis of three clear points will be structured, clearly focused on the question and confidently developed in to a coherent answer (AO2). 2 4–6 • generally sound knowledge of political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and generally appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • some development of explanations and generally appropriate selection of supporting examples demonstrates generally accurate understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, though further detail may be required in places and some inaccuracies may be present (AO1). • analysis will be developed in most places, though some points may be descriptive or in need of further development. Answers will, for the most part, be clearly expressed and show some organisation in the presentation of material (AO2). Students who only make two relevant points will be limited to this level. 1 1–3 • limited knowledge of political concepts, institutions and processes is demonstrated and little or no appropriate political vocabulary is used (AO1). • limited development of explanations and selection of supporting examples demonstrates limited understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, with further detail required and inaccuracies present throughout (AO1). • analysis will take the form of description for the most part. Coherence and structure will be limited (AO2). Students who only make one relevant point will be limited to this level. 0 0 • nothing worthy of credit. 0 1 Explain and analyse three roles performed by US congressional committees. [9 marks] Indicative content In their explanations and analysis, students may be expected to cover areas such as the following: • explanation and analysis of the fact that oversight is a key function of Congress (and legislatures in modern representative democracies) and it encompasses the legislation process and scrutiny of the executive branch (government departments, federal agencies as well as the actions of the president) • explanation and analysis of the fact that congressional oversight is performed via committees: standing, select, conference and/or the House Rule committee • explanation and analysis of the work of standing committees (found in both the House and Senate) and their dual functions of such committees, stressing that these committees are organised along policy-specific lines. The first function involves reviewing legislation and the second is oversight of the executive • explanation and analysis of the House Rules committee and/or conference committees and their role in the legislative process • explanation and analysis of the Senate’s special power of advice and consent in terms of the ratification of treaties and the confirmation of executive appointments such as the Trump executive appointments including the confirmation of Sessions as Attorney General, Devos as Education Secretary and Judges Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Students may use historic examples such as the rejection of Robert Bork as a Supreme Court Justice • explanation and analysis of how Congress can impeach members of the other branches of government; examples could include Nixon, Bill Clinton or the possible impeachment of Trump. Students are required to consider three roles performed by congressional committees. If a student exceeds this number reward only the best three. However, some may include relevant points not listed above and these should be credited. If a student gives only one or two examples, they will receive a maximum of three and six marks respectively.