Governing the UK
The British Constitution
Codified vs Uncodified
At this stage the theory has been learned, but it needs to be backed up with excellent case studies and a deep understanding of the most important issues surrounding each of the topics.
We have done this many times across the year but I want to collate them all in one place for you and use excellent resources like http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/politics/C113 to put it all together and make it easier for you to revise from
To collate the case studies for the politicisation of judges and HRA click here
To collect and collate examples about both select and standing committees click here - unhide the writing by changing the colour font and then add to it with examples from Tutor2u
To collate examples for the core executive and problems with special advisers click here
To collate examples for the roles and functions of parliament with examples click here
Could also use this powerpoint as better guidance on the topic with some useful definitions and case studies
Yes Prime Minister Powerpoint
Click here for the debate we had on the House of Lords reform
To get a better idea of the exam questions and what types of answer examiners are looking for, take a look at the resources below from last year's exam paper. Note the questions, the indicative content for each. Notice also what the candidates did well from the report and try to replicate this in your attempts
Click here for June 10 Unit 2 Exam
Click here for the June 10 Markscheme
Click here for the June 10 Examiner's Report
Past Question Practice
If you plan and practise all these style questions you will be very well set for the exam.
Remember that all questions will be related to a document which MUST be referred to. I couldn't link them all to a document so you must be aware of this before the exam so it doesn't come as a shock.
Mr McDermott will be very pleased if you spend Easter practising these at the top level with the relevant examples and detail so that you will be prepared for the exam. He is lookign for one whole question to be answered and one to be planned for Monday 4th April 2011. There will be a progress test that day in class as well for 45mins
Click here for all the past questions we used in class on Tuesday 29th March 2011
Click here for the powerpoint that accompanied the lesson
Past Papers and Mark schemes to practise
Click here for Unit 2 Support
Click here for Jan 09 Unit 2 Paper
CLick here for Jan 09 Unit 2 Mark scheme
Click here for Jun 09 Unit 2 Paper
Click here for Jun 09 Markscheme
Click here for Jan 10 Unit 2 Paper
Click here for Jan 10 Mark scheme
Click here for Jun 10 Unit 2 Paper
Click here for Jun 10 Markscheme
Click here for Jan 11 Question paper
Click here for Jan 11 Markscheme
Click here for Jun 11 Question Paper
Click here for Jun 11 Markscheme
Click here for Jan 12 Question
Click here for Jan 12 Markscheme
Click here for Jun 12 question Paper
Click here for Jun 12 Markscheme
Click here for a good presentation and resources on Parliament and what its function is and how it manifests itself
Click here for the resource we tried to build up
Click here for the methods it takes to get a bill through parliament
This powerpoint to help revision on the Judiciary - click here
A selection of Unit 2 essay questions for practise and revision. Click here for the indicative content from the exam board.
Click here for which question each of you will make into a powerpoint to be saved here next lesson to help with everyone's revision. (Mr McDermott's set)
Click here for Unit2 style questions for a set of past papers to write up for revision - good luck
All of them are to discussed - this means you must show both sides of the debate and give a conclusion which show judgement.
To get a better idea of the exam questions and what types of answer examiners are looking for, take a look at the resources below from last year's exam paper. Note the questions, the indicative content for each. Notice also what the candidates did well from the report and try to replicate this in your attempts
Click here for Jun 10 Unit 2 Question Paper
Click here for Jun 10 Unit 2 Mark scheme
Click here for Jun 10 Examiners Report
Click here for Jan 11 Unit 2 QP
Click here for Jan 11 Mark scheme not yet online
Click here for Jun 11 QP
Click here for Jun 11 Mark scheme
Click here for Jan 12 QP
Click here for Jan 12 Markscheme
Plan your essays using a model of 3 core arguments for and 2 against (or vice versa depending on the question)
Try to work to writing an answer under 27min timed condition without your notes
There should be a specific intro that outlines the key terms and area of debate
- Each paragraph should try to start with the Big Idea and its importance.
- There should be relevant and modern examples.
- Try to use the specific example well so it sounds stronger in your account.
- Do not repeat examples across your exam as it will sound hollow later.
- Try to link each big idea back to the question
- In your conclusion show judgement by round off the main lines of argument.
- Hand in some examples to your teacher for them to look through and mark to make sure your practise is going along the right lines.