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| Question | Topic / Title | Max Marks | Class Avg | Performance % | RAG Rating |
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One principle is the rule of law.Correctly identifies a valid principle. This supports democracy because it ensures that everyone, including the government itself, is accountable under the law and prevents leaders from abusing their power.Explanation of 'how'.
A second principle is free and fair elections.Correctly identifies a second valid principle. This supports democracy by allowing citizens to choose their representatives and hold them to account.Explanation of 'how'.
One way is through schools promoting shared British values.Correct. Another way is through local councils organising community events, such as sports days or festivals.A specific, practical example.
The government may restrict free speech in the interests of national security, for example during wartime, to prevent secrets from being leaked to the enemy.Correct justification. It may also be restricted to prevent 'hate speech', where language is used to incite violence.Correct justification.
The source suggests identities are more accepted because society has become more tolerant and people are now freer to define themselves rather than being defined by old stereotypes.Good use of the source. For example, the source highlights that many people in London identify primarily as 'Londoners', showing that a shared, inclusive local identity is now widely accepted over a more traditional national one.Strong comprehension.
Furthermore, my own knowledge confirms that identities are more accepted due to legal changes. The Equality Act 2010 made it illegal to discriminate against people based on 'protected characteristics' such as their religion, race, or sexual orientation.Excellent use of specific Own Knowledge (AO1).
One main feature is that the UK constitution is uncodified.Correct feature. This means that it is not written down in a single, authoritative document, but is drawn from multiple sources like Acts of Parliament and conventions.Explanation.
Another key feature is Parliamentary Sovereignty.Correct feature. This is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK and can create or repeal any law.Explanation.
1. Income Tax.Correct.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT).Correct.
3. Corporation Tax.Correct.
One major difference is the separation of powers. In the UK, the judiciary, executive, and legislature are separate. In North Korea, there is a vast overlap, with the leader holding absolute control.Clear structural comparison.
Another difference is the party system. The UK has a multi-party system where opposition is essential. In contrast, North Korea is a one-party state where no political opposition is permitted.Strong point on political competition.
Finally, leadership transfer differs. In the UK, leaders leave office peacefully via elections. In North Korea, power is concentrated in one family (the Kims) and maintained through force.Comparison of power transfer.
1. Contract disputes, such as a customer suing a business for faulty goods.Correct.
2. Negligence claims, for example someone seeking compensation for an injury.Correct.
1. A custodial sentence (prison).Correct.
2. A community sentence (unpaid work).Correct.
3. A fine (financial penalty).Correct.
One way Youth Courts differ is that they are less formal than adult courts.Correct difference. For example, the public is not allowed in, and the judge or magistrates may sit at the same level as the young person.Procedural explanation.
1. The right to get free and independent legal advice from a solicitor.Correct.
2. The right to remain silent.Correct.
Magistrates bring benefits to the legal system. Firstly, as the source states, they are local people, which means they have a good understanding of their community and its problems.Source use. This local knowledge helps them make informed sentencing decisions.
Secondly, because they are not professional judges, the source says they ensure the law reflects 'ordinary people'.Source use. This helps to build trust in the justice system, making the public feel it is administered by their peers, not a distant elite.
Finally, magistrates are volunteers and are therefore very cost-effective. Given that they handle 95% of all criminal cases, they save the taxpayer a vast amount of money compared to salaried judges.Own Knowledge development (Cost/Volume).
While both Tony Blair and the Institute for Government (IfG) present valid points, I agree more with the IfG’s view that devolution has largely failed.Clear judgement.
The IfG’s argument is persuasive because it uses evidence. It points out that a goal of devolution was to curb Scottish independence, yet "support for independence has grown from 27% before devolution to about 45% today."Source evidence. This is a significant failure. The IfG’s argument is stronger because it focuses on tangible outcomes rather than abstract hopes.Evaluation.
While Tony Blair celebrates peace in Northern Ireland, his argument is weakened by failing to acknowledge downsides. The fact that Scottish/Welsh students pay lower tuition fees than English students is a clear example of unfairness mentioned in the source, which has created resentment.Own Knowledge/Source synthesis.
In conclusion, I find the IfG’s argument more convincing. Although devolution contributed to peace in NI, the IfG provides stronger evidence that it failed in other key aims like unity.Conclusion.
I largely disagree with the view that the ages for legal responsibility need to be increased.Clear thesis.
For example, the right to vote at 18 is a cornerstone of democracy. Young people have a stake in the future (e.g. climate change). To increase the voting age would be to disenfranchise a key part of the population.Democratic argument. While some argue 18-year-olds are irresponsible, this is not a valid reason to deny a fundamental right.
On the other hand, there may be a case for reviewing driving age based on science. Neuroscientists argue the brain's risk assessment area isn't fully developed until the mid-20s. This could support increasing the driving age to reduce lethal accidents.Counter-argument with scientific backing.
In conclusion, while safety concerns might justify reviewing high-risk activities like driving, democratic principles strongly support keeping the voting age at 18. A blanket increase is illogical; each age must be judged on its own balance of rights and risks.Nuanced conclusion.
Correct Answer: B - The USA has not ratified the UNCRC.
Correct Answer: D - Religious discrimination.
Principles: Rule of Law, Free Speech, Tolerance, Right to Vote, Associations.
Examples: Schools promoting values, Community/Sporting events, Local council initiatives.
Reasons: National Security (War), Harm/Fear (Hate Speech), Fair Trial (Contempt of court).
Content: Locality, Appearance, Sexuality, Religion, Ethnicity. AO1: Equality Act 2010, Multiculturalism.
Role: Runs Treasury, Allocates spending, Raises tax.
Features: Uncodified, Flexible, Parliamentary Sovereignty, Constitutional Monarchy, Unitary State.
Issues: Taxation, NHS funding, Immigration, Environment, Benefits/Welfare.
Correct Answer: C - Direct democracy.
Correct Answer: D - Appointed by Monarch.
Correct Answer: B - Hereditary/Life/Spiritual peers.
Comparisons: Separation of Powers vs Overlap; Multi-party vs One-party; Election vs Hereditary rule.
Civil Cases: Contract disputes, Divorce, Personal Injury, Family matters.
Methods: Prison, Suspended sentence, Tagging, Fines, Community Service.
Youth Courts: No public access (Privacy), Less formal, First names used, Parents attend.
Correct Answer: C - Restorative Justice definition.
Arrest Rights: Legal advice, Remain silent, Inform someone, Know reason for arrest.
Magistrates: Local knowledge, Cost-effective (Volunteers), Diverse/Reflect community, Deal with 95% cases.
Correct Answer: C - Welsh support grew.
Correct Answer: D - Uneven manner.
Agreement: New policies emerged; Constitutional settlement changed; Scottish independence is an issue.
Evaluation: Success (Peace in NI, Identity) vs Failure (Unevenness, Scottish independence, Services falling behind).
Debate: Maturity/Safety (Brain development, Accidents) vs Rights (Democracy, Consistency with army/tax).
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