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EnglandPolitics

3.1 Government and politics of the UK

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How has devolution changed the way the UK is governed?

The development of devolution in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, the powers of the devolved bodies, the impact of devolution on the UK constitution, and the debates over further devolution and the future of the Union.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the development and powers of devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, devolution within England, its impact on the UK constitution, and the debate over further devolution and the Union.
9 min answer →

How is Parliament structured and how effectively does it perform its functions?

The structure and role of the House of Commons and House of Lords, the comparative powers of the two chambers, the legislative process, and how effectively Parliament represents, legislates and scrutinises the executive.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the structure and functions of the House of Commons and House of Lords, the comparative powers of the two chambers, the legislative process and how effectively Parliament holds the executive to account.
10 min answer →

What are the relationships and balance of power between the branches of government?

The relationships between the legislature, executive and judiciary, the role and powers of the Supreme Court, the doctrines of judicial review and parliamentary sovereignty, and the influence of the European Union on UK government.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the relationships between the legislature, executive and judiciary, the role and powers of the UK Supreme Court, judicial review and judicial independence, and the historic and current influence of the European Union.
10 min answer →

What is the nature of the UK constitution and how has it developed?

The nature and sources of the UK constitution, the way it has developed over time, the changes since 1997, and the debates about further reform such as a codified constitution and the protection of rights.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the nature and sources of the UK constitution, how it has developed, the constitutional reforms since 1997, and the debate over codification and the protection of rights.
10 min answer →

What are the powers of the Prime Minister and executive and what limits them?

The structure, role and powers of the executive, the concept of ministerial responsibility, the powers of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the factors governing the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the structure and powers of the executive, ministerial responsibility, the powers of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the factors that determine the balance between them.
10 min answer →

How is the UK governed and how do its institutions relate to one another?

An overview of UK government covering the constitution, Parliament, the prime minister and executive, the relationships between the branches, and devolution, and how these institutions fit together.
An overview of the AQA A-Level Politics UK Government module, covering the constitution, Parliament, the prime minister and executive, the relationships between the legislature, executive and judiciary, and devolution, and how to study them.
8 min answer →