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AS 2: The British Political Process

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do the UK's electoral systems and referendums shape political outcomes?

Elections and electoral systems in the UK: first-past-the-post and its effects, the main proportional and majoritarian alternatives used in the UK (STV, AMS, SV), the debate over electoral reform, and the use and impact of referendums.
A CCEA AS 2 guide to UK elections, electoral systems and referendums. Covers first-past-the-post and its effects, the alternative systems used across the UK (the single transferable vote, the additional member system and the supplementary vote), the electoral reform debate, and the use and impact of referendums.
16 min answer →

What are the functions of UK political parties, and how have the main parties changed?

Political parties in the UK: the functions parties perform, the ideas and internal divisions of the Conservative and Labour parties, the role of minor and third parties, party funding and the debate over reform, and the health of the UK party system.
A CCEA AS 2 guide to UK political parties. Covers the functions parties perform, the ideas and divisions of the Conservative and Labour parties, the role of minor and third parties, party funding and the reform debate, and whether the UK party system is healthy.
16 min answer →

How do pressure groups try to influence policy, and what makes them succeed?

Pressure groups in the UK: their functions and classifications (sectional and promotional, insider and outsider), the methods they use, the factors that determine their success, and whether they enhance or threaten democracy.
A CCEA AS 2 guide to UK pressure groups. Covers their functions, the sectional and promotional and the insider and outsider classifications, the methods they use, the factors behind their success, and whether pressure groups strengthen or threaten democracy.
15 min answer →

How effectively does the UK Parliament legislate, represent and scrutinise the government?

The UK Parliament: the composition and roles of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the legislative process, the functions of representation, legislation and scrutiny, the work of select committees, and the debate over Lords reform.
A CCEA AS 2 guide to the UK Parliament. Covers the composition and roles of the House of Commons and House of Lords, the legislative process, the functions of representation, legislation and scrutiny, the work of select committees, and the debate over reforming the Lords.
16 min answer →

Where does power lie within the UK executive, and is the Prime Minister too dominant?

The UK Prime Minister, Cabinet and executive: the roles and powers of the Prime Minister, the prerogative powers, the Cabinet and collective responsibility, the factors shaping prime ministerial power, and the debate over prime ministerial versus cabinet government.
A CCEA AS 2 guide to the UK Prime Minister, Cabinet and executive. Covers the roles and powers of the Prime Minister, the royal prerogative, the Cabinet and collective responsibility, the factors that strengthen or weaken a Prime Minister, and the debate over prime ministerial versus cabinet government.
16 min answer →