PEARSON EDEXCEL
Non-Core Political
Ideas
PRACTICE EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. What are the main features of the UK constitution? How
does it differ from a codified constitution? (10 marks)
Answer: The UK constitution is uncodified, meaning that it
is not written in a single document, but derived from
various sources such as statutes, conventions, common law
and EU law. It is also flexible, meaning that it can be
changed by a simple majority in Parliament, without any
special procedures or safeguards. A codified constitution,
on the other hand, is written in a single document that has a
higher legal status than ordinary laws. It is also rigid,
meaning that it can only be amended by a special process
that usually requires a supermajority or a referendum.
Rationale: This question tests the students' ability to
identify and explain the key characteristics of the UK
constitution and compare them with another type of
constitution. It also requires them to use relevant examples
and evidence to support their arguments.
2. Evaluate the arguments for and against reforming the
House of Lords. (15 marks)
Answer: The arguments for reforming the House of Lords
include:
- It is undemocratic, as most of its members are appointed
rather than elected, and do not represent the diversity of the
UK population.
, - It is ineffective, as it has limited powers to scrutinize and
amend legislation, and can be overruled by the House of
Commons.
- It is outdated, as it still retains some hereditary peers and
bishops, and does not reflect the modern values and needs
of the UK society.
The arguments against reforming the House of Lords
include:
- It provides a valuable check and balance on the executive
and the House of Commons, as it can challenge and revise
legislation without being influenced by party politics or
public opinion.
- It has expertise and experience, as its members have a
wide range of backgrounds and knowledge in various fields
and sectors.
- It has legitimacy, as it has a long history and tradition,
and enjoys public respect and trust.
Rationale: This question tests the students' ability to
evaluate different perspectives on a controversial issue, and
weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. It
also requires them to use relevant examples and evidence
to support their evaluation.
3. Explain how devolution has affected the UK political
system. (10 marks)
Answer: Devolution is the process of transferring some
Non-Core Political
Ideas
PRACTICE EXAM Q & A
2024
,1. What are the main features of the UK constitution? How
does it differ from a codified constitution? (10 marks)
Answer: The UK constitution is uncodified, meaning that it
is not written in a single document, but derived from
various sources such as statutes, conventions, common law
and EU law. It is also flexible, meaning that it can be
changed by a simple majority in Parliament, without any
special procedures or safeguards. A codified constitution,
on the other hand, is written in a single document that has a
higher legal status than ordinary laws. It is also rigid,
meaning that it can only be amended by a special process
that usually requires a supermajority or a referendum.
Rationale: This question tests the students' ability to
identify and explain the key characteristics of the UK
constitution and compare them with another type of
constitution. It also requires them to use relevant examples
and evidence to support their arguments.
2. Evaluate the arguments for and against reforming the
House of Lords. (15 marks)
Answer: The arguments for reforming the House of Lords
include:
- It is undemocratic, as most of its members are appointed
rather than elected, and do not represent the diversity of the
UK population.
, - It is ineffective, as it has limited powers to scrutinize and
amend legislation, and can be overruled by the House of
Commons.
- It is outdated, as it still retains some hereditary peers and
bishops, and does not reflect the modern values and needs
of the UK society.
The arguments against reforming the House of Lords
include:
- It provides a valuable check and balance on the executive
and the House of Commons, as it can challenge and revise
legislation without being influenced by party politics or
public opinion.
- It has expertise and experience, as its members have a
wide range of backgrounds and knowledge in various fields
and sectors.
- It has legitimacy, as it has a long history and tradition,
and enjoys public respect and trust.
Rationale: This question tests the students' ability to
evaluate different perspectives on a controversial issue, and
weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. It
also requires them to use relevant examples and evidence
to support their evaluation.
3. Explain how devolution has affected the UK political
system. (10 marks)
Answer: Devolution is the process of transferring some
