Politics Advanced Paper 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas

Candidate surnameOther names Total Marks Centre Number Candidate Number Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE Thursday 4 June 2020

Paper Reference 9PL0/02Morning (Time: 2 hours)

Politics Advanced

Paper 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas

You do not need any other materials (including calculators which are not permitted).

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Instructions • Use black ink or ball-point pen.• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name, centre number and candidate number.•

There are two sections and you must answer three questions:

– in Section A answer either 1(a) or 1(b) and then either 2(a) or 2(b) – in Section B answer either 3(a) or 3(b), 4(a) or 4(b), 5(a) or 5(b), 6(a) or 6(b), 7(a) or 7(b).•

Answer the questions in the spaces provided – there may be more space than you need.Information •

The total mark for this paper is 84.• The marks for each question are shown in brackets – use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.Advice •

Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.• Check your answers if you have time at the end.

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SECTION A: UK GOVERNMENT

Answer ONE question from EITHER Question 1(a) OR Question 1(b) and then answer ONE question from EITHER Question 2(a) OR Question 2(b).

EITHER

• (a) Source 1 considers the changing role of backbench MPs. It was written in 2019 when

Theresa May was still the Prime Minister.Source 1 In the mid-20th century, most backbenchers loyally did whatever the front benchers told them to do. Party loyalty was all important, and between 1945 and 1970 there were no government defeats due to backbench rebellions. Recently, May’s government was defeated more often in the Commons than Cameron’s, losing the vote on her ‘Brexit’ deal in January 2019 by 230 votes, after 118 Conservative MPs rebelled.Backbenchers are asserting parliament’s sovereignty. Whips are weaker and MPs are more willing to defy their party, claiming to ‘represent’ their constituents instead. Governments avoid defeats by backing down - as May did over additional grammar schools. MPs increasingly use select committees, urgent questions and the Backbench Business Committee to exert their influence.However, MPs continue to undertake constituency work, holding regular surgeries, representing their geographical area. They debate topical issues of the day. They act on constituents’ problems by asking questions, writing to ministers, voting for new legislation where needed and legitimising parliamentary decisions.Some argue that Brexit is very much a ‘one-off’, with a deeply divided minority government and a divided opposition. If so, government dominance may soon be restored. Or, alternatively, perhaps things will never be the same again.Using the source, evaluate the view that the principal role of backbench MPs is no w to hold the government to account.

In your response you must:

· compare and contrast different opinions in the source · examine and debate these views in a balanced way · analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source.(30)

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Do not answer Question 1(b) if you have answered Question 1(a).

OR (b) Source 2 contains arguments for and against retaining our current constitutional arrangements.Source 2 Without entrenchment, it is too easy for a government with a simple majority to make significant constitutional changes which may threaten our fundamental rights. Entrenchment would require a written, codified constitution where constitutional changes would entail special procedures such as a two thirds majority in parliament or a referendum.Many of the fundamental principles of the UK’s political system exist in conventions, which are not enforceable. Significant constitutional reforms were begun by the Blair government but these are incomplete and we lack a comprehensive vision for the structure and rules of the political system. With our hereditary head of state and an appointed second chamber, the UK is out of step with other modern democracies.However, we are regarded as one of the most democratic countries in the world.The constitution has changed dramatically from an all-powerful monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary sovereignty. Much of our uncodified constitution has been written into our laws. Our rights have been respected and updated by politicians and protected by an independent judiciary. The principle of parliamentary sovereignty means that there is no higher ‘constitutional law’, and that parliament can legislate to respond flexibly to threats, such as terrorism.Using the source, evaluate the view that the UK’s constitution requires major change.

In your response you must:

· compare and contrast different opinions in the source · examine and debate these views in a balanced way · analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source.(30)

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Indicate which question you are answering by marking a cross in the box . If you change your mind, put a line through the box and then indicate your new question with a cross .

Chosen question number: Question 1(a) Question 1(b)

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