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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.

What are the features of democracy and how can participation be improved?

The features of direct and representative democracy, the strengths and weaknesses of UK democracy, the participation crisis, the franchise, and the case for and against reforms such as compulsory voting and votes at 16.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on direct and representative democracy, the strengths and weaknesses of UK democracy, the participation crisis and the franchise, and debates over reforms such as votes at 16 and compulsory voting.
10 min answer →

How do different electoral systems work and what are their effects?

The features and effects of first-past-the-post and the other electoral systems used in the UK, the debate over electoral reform, the use of referendums, and the impact of different systems on parties and government.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on first-past-the-post and the other electoral systems used in the UK, their effects on parties and government, the debate over electoral reform, and the use of referendums.
10 min answer →

What are the functions of political parties and how has the UK party system changed?

The functions and features of political parties, party funding, the ideas and policies of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, the role of minor parties, and the development of the UK party system.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the functions and features of political parties, party funding, the ideas and policies of the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, the role of minor parties, and the nature of the UK party system.
10 min answer →

How do pressure groups operate and how much influence do they have?

The functions, types and methods of pressure groups, the factors affecting their success, the role of other collective organisations and think tanks, and the debate over their impact on democracy.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the functions, types and methods of pressure groups, the factors that determine their success, the role of think tanks and lobbyists, and the debate over their impact on democracy.
9 min answer →

How do citizens participate in UK politics and how is power contested?

An overview of UK politics covering democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media, and pressure groups, and how they shape political power.
An overview of the AQA A-Level Politics UK Politics module, covering democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media, and pressure groups, and how to study them.
8 min answer →

What factors explain how people vote and how influential is the media?

The factors that explain voting behaviour including class, age, ethnicity, region and rational choice, the use of case-study elections, and the influence of the media and opinion polls on elections.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the factors that explain voting behaviour including class, age, ethnicity and rational choice, the use of case-study elections, and the influence of the media and opinion polls.
10 min answer →