GCSE Citizenship Studies (June 2025) Feedback

Model Answer: Problems working in a team (4 marks)

Some people may be less invested into the project resulting in less work done by the deadline.Consequence: productivity loss. (2 marks)

There could be multiple people in the group who feel like strong leaders that want to control who does what, which can result in arguments and less work done.Impact: conflict & inefficiency. (2 marks)

Model Answer: Primary Research (4 marks)

Primary research like surveys we conducted, helped us design our campaign to carefully educate and influence members of our year over topics that maybe a wide range was unaware of and something that would affect us directly.Informing campaign strategy. (2 marks)

Interviews with teachers, and students allowed us to gain further insight over how many people believed if voting age should be lowered and their reasons behind it, to understand how to develop a personal response to approach this.Gaining qualitative insight. (2 marks)

Model Answer: Essay (12 marks)

I partially agree with the statement. One reason I agree is because if your methods dont engage with the action it wont help you achieve your goal for example in our group a few people just wanted to put posters around the school, however we decided not to as this method wouldn't of educated people as we hoped.AO3 Evaluation of methods. Instead we did a culture day as it brought our school community together encouraging community cohesion. This ensured everyone was learning about eachothers cultures while having fun. This method helped our action as every person was engaged and listening to others, meaning everyone was getting educated and being diverse, this really benefited our action as it helped us reach our goal.AO2 Application to own action.

Another reason why I agree is because your method has to link to your specific action and make a change but if it doesnt your action may fail. For example in our action people wasnt been specific enough about the topic at first we created a powerpoint we was going to present in front of year 10s but it wouldn't of worked as they wouldn't of engaged, this could of caused our action to fail.AO2 Reflection on failure. However we decided to present a powerpoint in smaller groups whilst having games, food and activities from cultures around the world such as Indian dancing and food. This helped us as everyone was listening and even engaging by asking questions.

However one reason I disagree is because just because the method isnt right doesnt mean it will not work. For example when people wasnt in from our group we had to improvise by making leaflets and posters to hand out to pupils.AO3 Counter-argument. Even though this method of educating students probably isnt the best it worked as it got everyone talking and spreading awarness of the importance of diversity and community cohesion, even the teachers were talking about it which helped us a lot as this was the reason we were allowed to do culture day all due to the poster being spread and the teachers seeing how much the pupils were engaging with our action they gave us permission to have a culture day. In conclusion, I disagree because the choice of method doesnt change the outcome it only helps it get done faster.

Model Answer: E-petitions (4 marks)

e-petitions are easier to access for people so more people can vote and sign to get to the signature goal.Removing participation barriers. (2 marks)

e-petitions can make more people notice them and help and give people access to further sharing them on websites.Viral potential. (2 marks) People who aren't vocal & like proffesionals can also help and see the petition.

Model Answer: E-petitions Failure (6 marks)

One way having a successful e-petition may not lead to change is due to the government not doing anything about it. This wont lead to change as the government don't think it's a big enough problem in society and doesn't need to be dealt with.Lack of political will. (2 marks) This leads to the matter not being dealt with or benefiting the people. This results in there not being any change.

Another way is it may cost too much money. This can be seen as the government cant afford it as it is over the budget that they have to spend.Resource constraints. (2 marks) This leads to the e-petition not leading to change as it may be out of the budget. This results in the e-petition going to waste as the government can't support it.

A third way is due to it not benefiting everyone in society. This can be seen as it may only help a certain group of people and do nothing for anyone else. This leads to no change being made as it isnt for the greater good of the people.Limited scope. (2 marks) This results in the government not dealing with the plan.

Model Answer: Censorship (4 marks)

A press censorship might occur if the country is ruled by dictatorship. The dictator can control the press and media and show what he wants to show on media.Authoritarian control. (2 marks)

Press censorship can also occur during the times of war or conflict because national security is more important and government might not want the countries secrets to go out of country.National Security. (2 marks)

Model Answer: UN & WTO (6 marks)

The United Nations is an organisation with 193 member states and they work together to maintain peace and to solve disputes diplomatically with each other.Diplomacy & Peacekeeping. (3 marks) It was founded in 1945 after world war 2 in order to ensure peace after the failure of the leagues of nations. The UN has several divisions such as the security council where the five permanent members vote and 10 alternating non-permanent members vote on whether to send peacekeeping forces to a country such as Haiti in 2010 after the earthquake troops were sent to maintain peace.

The world trade organisation is an organisation with 164 member states and it was founded in 1995. It aims to reduce trade barriers between member nations and to uphold a standard and regulations related to trading that all countries must follow.Regulating global trade. (3 marks) It does this by providing clear legislation countries must follow as well as encouraging non-bias and fair discussions and negotiations regarding trade should disputes arise.

Model Answer: Human Rights (10 marks)

One reason why organisations such as the UN should take action to protect human rights is because they were set up to promote human rights. For example The UN drafted and published the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948.Founding purpose. This means that it should take action to protect them, as they cannot just expect everyone to follow them just because they exist. Therefore, organisation such as the UN should take action to protect human rights.

Another reason why international organisations such as the UN should take action to protect human rights is to hold people in positions of power to account. For example, the UN has specialized judicial branches e.g. International Criminal Courts. They are set up to hold people in power to account is important as it protects the rights of their citizens and prevents them from abusing their position of power.Accountability. For example, the UN prosecuted government officials in Rwanda following the mass genocide of the Tutsi people. Over 800,000 men, women and children were murdered. UN intervention meant that the human rights of the tutsi people were protected. Therefore, action from international organisation like the UN are essential to protect human rights.

However, one person may disagree with this statement as they believe that international organisations like the UN limit individual countries sovereignty. This is because they stop countries from having full control over themselves, and making soverign decisions.State sovereignty. This may limit the control of people in power and prevent them from acting in the best interests of their citizens. Therefore, some people may disagree.

Another reason why a person may disagree with this statment is because they believe that international organisations like the UN are not effective. This is because they believe that the UN is corrupt or overly controlled by western countries, as it was created by them, and due to the security council.Western bias/Corruption. They may feel the security council is undemocratic as it allows rich powerful countries to use their power of veto is unfair. Therefore, they may believe that international organisations are corrupt.

Model Answer: Media (15 marks)

The media has the right to inform, investigate, influence, and scrutinise those in power. Some I believe that media influence is not undemocratic, and rather necessary for democracy to function. However, some believe that too much media influence is undemocratic as it can change and impact people's beliefs. Newspapers, such as The Guardian, can post 'opinion pieces' online for people to access and read. These articles often revolve around significant relevant issues at the time and offer opinions on such matters. This means that citizens can have their own opinions skewed in favour of the beliefs of other people such as journalists on even other citizens online.Undue influence/Bias. This makes the media as undemocratic, as those whom citizens vote in elections to be represented by an MP, they may vote in favour of someone elses belief rather than their own. As the UK is a representative democracy, having a government representative of the country's actual views and beliefs is crucial to ensure the country is run in favour of everyone.

Some may also agree as the media and press can produce fake news in order or sensationalise details in search of profit and wealth. An extreme example of this is during the 19th century, where details from the Jack the Ripper murders were often emphasised in order for London newspapers to sell more copies. This still happens frequently to this day, which may mean that citizens' views on the world are unrealistic due to false reports online.Fake News/Sensationalism. This can, again, influence the way citizens may vote in election as fake news is often posted about politicians and MPs. This makes the government unsuitable for UK citizens, and therefore undemocratic.

On the other hand, some may argue that the media is important for democracy due to its responsibility to investigate and scrutinise. For example, in 2009 the media found that multiple MPs were claiming unnecessary expenses in the MP expenses scandal. This led to some MPs being prosecuted for their actions. This means that the media are useful in ensuring Rule of Law, by making it so that no one is above the law and that even those in power can be held accountable for their actions.Accountability/Rule of Law. This is vital for democracy as without it equality would not be ensured in the UK, and there would be less checks and balances for the government's power over citizens.

Another reason some may disagree that the media is undemocratic as it is thoroughly regulated to make sure it is democratic. The BBC are an unbiased and unopinionated example of the press, and are regulated by the Royal Charter. This ensures that the information they present is purely factual to inform citizens rather than so that they can form their own opinions and beliefs.Regulation. Another example of press regulation is the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which were formed after the Leveson Inquiry into the media's treatment of the family of a missing student. All the regulation on the press ensures that it is safe and democratic as it limits the power it has. This means that it cannot be used in order to compromise the UK's democratic values and interests.

To conclude, I do not agree that the media is undemocratic. I consider the media to be a vital way of limiting the power of authorities such as the government to prevent possible corruption and abuses of power. The media has, however, influence that could be a concern to our democracy, but the press has different ways to be regulated to ensure it does not have too much power over citizens to maintain the democracy both maintain and underpin our democracy.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for stating the reason for the goal set by the group, and the second mark for further development of how this was decided upon (AO2).

• I chose goal X because I wanted to help group of people Y (1) and my goal would address how much they needed help / how urgent their issue was (1).
• I chose goal X because problem Y affects the local/national/global community (1) and my action could realistically make a meaningful difference (1).
• I chose goal X because my primary/secondary research showed it was linked to Theme A/B/C/D (1) and I thought this was the most realistic way of taking action (1).

Do not accept generic answers that do not clearly relate to the specific action (e.g., "I wanted to raise money").

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for each problem stated (AO2) and the second mark for further development of how working in a team caused this problem.

• Working in a team can slow the action down (1) for example, if a team member is absent / there is poor communication between members (1).
• Working in a team can cause conflict between team members (1) over whether everyone is playing an equal role in the action (1).
• Working in a team can make it difficult to choose an achievable action (1) because people may have very different views on what is effective (1).
• Working in a team can cause problems if you find it hard to work with others (1) because someone may refuse to work or prefer to work alone (1).

Do not accept generic answers like "we argued".

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for the reason identified and the second mark for further development.

• Looking at previous actions related to our topic helped us understand different points of view (1) so we knew which viewpoints to include to help achieve our goal (1).
• Making a list of all the different points of view in our team (1) helped us compare them to research and see which were most accurate (1).
• Carrying out research to find out what different groups thought (1) helped us choose points of view most likely to raise awareness (1).
• Secondary research (e.g. social media) showed us opposing views (1) which helped us prepare counter-arguments (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for the way of carrying out primary research stated (AO2) and the second mark for development of how this helped choose the action.

• We sent our target audience a questionnaire (1) and found out their most important issue was X, so chose to do Y (1).
• We designed a survey about X (1) that helped us choose topic Y because of what we learned from the results (1).
• We interviewed experts (e.g. teachers/councillors) (1) and chose to do X because of what they said about the need for funding/awareness (1).
• We visited a pressure group website to find data (1) which helped us choose to do X because of what we learned (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Indicative Content (Points in support):

• If you choose the wrong method for research, you may not find accurate information to plan your action.
• If you choose an inappropriate method (e.g. school strike), you may not be allowed to run your event.
• If you choose the wrong method of reaching your audience, you will fail to gain support.
• If you choose a method that cannot achieve your goal (e.g. assembly to change the law), you will fail.

Counter Points:

• Even with a bad method, you can succeed if the team works well.
• Methods are not the only reason for failure; lack of organisation or teamwork is often more important.
• External factors (e.g. weather, permission denied) can cause failure regardless of the method.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for reason and 1 mark for development.

• An e-petition can be signed easily (1) so people may be more likely to show support (1).
• An e-petition can be shared quickly on social media (1) so may gain more supporters/go viral (1).
• An e-petition must be responded to by Parliament if it reaches 10,000 signatures (1) or debated at 100,000 (1).
• An e-petition is easy to set up (1) making it a more accessible way of campaigning (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Identify two other methods (1 mark each):

• Set up a pressure group.
• Organised a protest / demonstration / publicity stunt.
• Written to / lobbied their local MP / Minister.
• Contacted media / social media campaign / influencer.
• Distributed posters / leaflets / flyers.
• Contributed to a select committee inquiry.

Do not credit e-petitions.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Analyse why this viewpoint may be accurate (Source-based):

• The different e-petitions gained large numbers of signatures (1) suggesting the campaign had a lot of support (1).
• Campaigners were invited to meet the Petitions Committee (1) suggesting the issue was taken seriously by Parliament (1).
• The campaigns led to action by government ministers (1) including discussions and work with school students (1).
• Another initiative on the same issue received 56,000 survey responses (1) showing high engagement (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Explain why a successful e-petition may not lead to change:

• An e-petition may not influence the government’s opinion; they may simply disagree.
• Parliament may debate the issue but vote against changing the law.
• A government may pledge change but then delay or focus on other issues.
• Other methods (e.g. Private Members' Bill) might be more effective at changing the law.
• 10,000 signatures only guarantees a response, not action.
• Petitions on non-government sites may be seen as less official/susceptible to manipulation.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Correct Answer: D

Specialist court set up to settle disputes.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Correct Answer: B

Independent Press Standards Office (IPSO).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Correct Answer: A

Geneva Convention.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Award 1 mark for difference + 1 mark for explanation:

• Democratic countries have the right to vote (1) but non-democratic countries are usually dictatorships/no real choice (1).
• Democratic countries have freedom of the press (1) but non-democratic countries have strict censorship (1).
• Democratic countries allow protests (1) but non-democratic countries ban opposition (1).
• Democratic countries have an independent judiciary (1) but non-democratic leaders control the courts (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Identify two examples (1 mark each):

• UK citizens no longer have freedom of movement to live/work in the EU.
• EU citizens need visas/points-based system to work in the UK.
• New fishing rules / quotas.
• New trade deals outside the EU (e.g. Australia).
• End of tariff-free trade / New customs checks.
• Pet passports / Roaming charges.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Explain two reasons for press censorship (4 marks total):

• National Security (1): To prevent mass panic or protect troop movements/secrets during war (1).
• Privacy (1): To protect the identity of victims (e.g. sexual assault) or children in court cases (1).
• Hate Speech (1): To prevent material that incites violence against protected groups (1).
• Obscenity (1): To prevent the publication of extreme content/pornography (1).
• Libel/Slander (1): To prevent the publication of lies that damage reputation (1).

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Indicative Content (Max 3 marks if only one organisation discussed):

United Nations (UN):

• Maintain international peace and security.
• Promote sustainable development.
• Protect human rights.
• Uphold international law.

World Trade Organisation (WTO):

• Agree world trade rules.
• Settle trading disputes between members.
• Promote free trade.
• Reduce tariffs/barriers to trade.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Arguments to Support (UN should act):

• Founding aim of the UN is to protect rights.
• Only international force can stop dictators (e.g. Rwanda peacekeepers).
• International law (Geneva Convention) obliges action.
• Moral duty / Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Arguments to Oppose (UN should not act):

• Violates National Sovereignty (countries should rule themselves).
• Cultural differences mean 'rights' are viewed differently.
• UN action often fails or is vetoed by the Security Council (Russia/China).
• Individual governments should be responsible, not international bodies.

Official Mark Scheme Guidance

Arguments Support (Too much influence is undemocratic):

• Media sets the agenda, raising awareness of some issues while burying others (e.g. Brexit).
• Ownership is concentrated (e.g. Murdoch), meaning a few rich people influence millions of voters.
• Bias and 'Fake News' distort public opinion and prevent fair elections.
• Echo chambers on social media polarise society.

Arguments Counter (Influence is democratic/necessary):

• Free Press is essential for democracy to hold power to account (Scrutiny).
• Investigative journalism exposes scandals (e.g. MPs expenses, Partygate).
• Social media allows a wider range of voices/citizen journalism, challenging traditional elites.
• Voters are intelligent enough to consume multiple sources.