PEARSON EDEXCEL
Comparative Politics
PRACTICE EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. Compare and contrast the presidential and parliamentary
systems of government, using examples from at least two
countries for each system. (10 marks)
Answer: Presidential systems are characterized by a
separation of powers between the executive and the
legislative branches, where the president is directly elected
by the people and serves as both the head of state and the
head of government. Parliamentary systems are
characterized by a fusion of powers between the executive
and the legislative branches, where the prime minister is
indirectly elected by the parliament and serves as the head
of government, while the head of state is usually a
ceremonial figure. Examples of presidential systems
include the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Examples of
parliamentary systems include the United Kingdom,
Germany, and India.
Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to
identify and explain the main features and differences of
two common types of democratic systems, using relevant
examples to illustrate their points.
2. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of federalism
as a form of political organization, using examples from at
least two countries that have adopted it. (10 marks)
Answer: Federalism is a form of political organization
where power is divided between a central government and
regional or state governments, each with its own
, constitution and jurisdiction. Some advantages of
federalism are that it allows for diversity and autonomy
among different regions, it fosters political participation
and representation at multiple levels, and it can prevent
tyranny by limiting the power of the central government.
Some disadvantages of federalism are that it can create
conflicts and inefficiencies between different levels of
government, it can increase inequality and disparities
among regions, and it can undermine national unity and
identity. Examples of countries that have adopted
federalism include Canada, Australia, and Nigeria.
Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to
analyze and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of a
complex form of political organization, using relevant
examples to support their arguments.
3. Explain how electoral systems influence party systems
and political outcomes, using examples from at least two
countries that have different electoral systems. (10 marks)
Answer: Electoral systems are the rules and procedures that
determine how votes are cast and counted, and how seats
are allocated in a legislature. Electoral systems influence
party systems by affecting the number and size of parties
that can win seats, as well as their incentives for
cooperation or competition. Electoral systems also
influence political outcomes by affecting the degree of
representation, accountability, stability, and responsiveness
of governments. Examples of different electoral systems
Comparative Politics
PRACTICE EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. Compare and contrast the presidential and parliamentary
systems of government, using examples from at least two
countries for each system. (10 marks)
Answer: Presidential systems are characterized by a
separation of powers between the executive and the
legislative branches, where the president is directly elected
by the people and serves as both the head of state and the
head of government. Parliamentary systems are
characterized by a fusion of powers between the executive
and the legislative branches, where the prime minister is
indirectly elected by the parliament and serves as the head
of government, while the head of state is usually a
ceremonial figure. Examples of presidential systems
include the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Examples of
parliamentary systems include the United Kingdom,
Germany, and India.
Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to
identify and explain the main features and differences of
two common types of democratic systems, using relevant
examples to illustrate their points.
2. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of federalism
as a form of political organization, using examples from at
least two countries that have adopted it. (10 marks)
Answer: Federalism is a form of political organization
where power is divided between a central government and
regional or state governments, each with its own
, constitution and jurisdiction. Some advantages of
federalism are that it allows for diversity and autonomy
among different regions, it fosters political participation
and representation at multiple levels, and it can prevent
tyranny by limiting the power of the central government.
Some disadvantages of federalism are that it can create
conflicts and inefficiencies between different levels of
government, it can increase inequality and disparities
among regions, and it can undermine national unity and
identity. Examples of countries that have adopted
federalism include Canada, Australia, and Nigeria.
Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to
analyze and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of a
complex form of political organization, using relevant
examples to support their arguments.
3. Explain how electoral systems influence party systems
and political outcomes, using examples from at least two
countries that have different electoral systems. (10 marks)
Answer: Electoral systems are the rules and procedures that
determine how votes are cast and counted, and how seats
are allocated in a legislature. Electoral systems influence
party systems by affecting the number and size of parties
that can win seats, as well as their incentives for
cooperation or competition. Electoral systems also
influence political outcomes by affecting the degree of
representation, accountability, stability, and responsiveness
of governments. Examples of different electoral systems
