AQA-7152-2-POLITICS FINAL MARK SCHEME PAPER 2:Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics-A LEVEL-Jun24-v1.0

AQA-7152-2-POLITICS FINAL MARK SCHEME PAPER 2:Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics-A LEVEL-Jun24-v1.0. Section A Levels of response mark scheme for 9-mark questions 0 1 Explain and analyse three factors that can influence the outcome of a presidential election. [9 marks] 0 2 Explain and analyse three functions of the US Congress. [9 marks] 0 3 Explain and analyse three ways that structural theory could be used to study how civil liberties and rights are protected in the US and UK. [9 marks] Target AO1: 6 marks, AO2: 3 marks 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 demonstrate detailed understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes (AO1). • Analysis of three clear points is structured, clearly focused on the question and confidently developed into 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 demonstrate 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 is developed in most places, though some points may be descriptive or in need of further development. Answers, for the most part, are 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 demonstrate limited understanding of relevant political concepts, institutions and processes, with further detail required and inaccuracies present throughout (AO1). • Analysis takes the form of description for the most part. Coherence and structure are limited (AO2). Students who only make one relevant point will be limited to this level. 0 0 • Nothing worthy of credit. 000004 Page 4 of 16 POLITICS MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL POLITICS – 7152/2 – JUNE 2024 5 0 1 Explain and analyse three factors that can influence the outcome of a presidential election. [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 importance of raising money. Presidential candidates need to raise large sums of money to fund advertising and airtime as well as being able to campaign in key swing states. Students are likely to argue that while money cannot buy outcomes (eg Clinton in 2016), it helps a candidate make a strong attempt to win • explanation and analysis of the impact that third party and independent candidates can have on the overall result of a presidential election, students may refer to elections such as 1968, 1992 or 2000 • explanation and analysis of the role of the media and the importance of the televised debates. The media and campaign ads are an important part of presidential elections when trying to project a positive image of a candidate. Students may refer to a number of ‘attack ads’ from previous elections such as LBJ’s ‘Daisy girl’ ad from 1964. Students may refer to the fact that televised debates between candidates are long established and performing well or competently can help a candidate. Some responses may argue that social media has become more important than the traditional debates, citing the fact that Trump in 2020 had 42 million Twitter followers • explanation and analysis of issues and policies such as the economy. Responses may refer to James Carville, Bill Clinton’s campaign strategist in 1992, who noted “It’s the economy, stupid”. Students may also refer to the so-called ‘October surprise’ such as the two from 2016 involving Trump and the ‘Access Hollywood’ tape and Clinton’s FBI inquiry. Students may refer to retrospective voting and how voters respond to changing candidates and issues, examples could include 9/11 and the war on terror in 2004, and/or wedge issues such as abortion and same sex marriage • explanation and analysis of image, leadership qualities of candidates and incumbency. Since 1945 one-term presidents have been rare (eg Carter, George H.W. Bush and Trump). The nature of the presidential office and the election of a single person encourages a focus on the individual and their own qualities, experience, policies (eg Obama and ‘Hope and Change’ or Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’) and campaigns which focused on their personalities and leadership credentials. Students are required to consider only three factors that can influence the outcome of a presidential election. 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. 000005 Page 5 of 16