Edexcel A level gov and politics: UK +
USA comparative 2024 Exam Questions
and Answers
Similarities of their constitutions (4) - Answer>>- Enable
representative, accountable and democratically elected
government
- Elements of convention e.g. judicial review not specifically
mentioned in US Const + Sailsbury convention in UK
- HRA 1998 provided guidelines for Parliament legislation to
comply with, just as the US Constitution does for Congressional
law
- Devolution has made the UK system of government slightly
more federal than unitary e.g power
Differences in their constitutions (4) - Answer>>- Uncodified vs
codified
- Unitary gov (centralised in Westminster) vs federal gov (shared
between Washington and states)
- Fusion of powers vs separation
- Parliamentary sovereignty vs constitutional
Executive- PM has more power (6) - Answer>>- Sole and
elected leader of party
- Can usually rely on support and loyalty of MPs
- Normally commands majority in Commons
- Collective cabinet responsibility ensures ministerial support
- Less likely to have actions struck down by UKSC
- Unlimited terms e.g. Thatcher, Blair
Limitations of the PM (3) - Answer>>- Backbench revolts
increasingly common e.g. 119 Tory MPs voted against May's deal
in 2019
,- Power restricted by coalitions e.g. Cameron 2010-15 with
LibDems
- Actions limited by UKSCe.g. R (Miller) v Brexit Secretary 2017,
government unable to implement Brexit without Parliament
approva
Executive- President has more power (5) - Answer>>- Huge
administrative and policy advice resources
- Personal mandate through direct election
- Entrenched, formal constitutional powers
- Ability to nominate USSC judges to reflect personal policy views
and aims
- Commander in chief, world's biggest military budget
Limitations of the President (3) - Answer>>- Popular vote
required for true mandate?e.g. Clinton won 2.87 million more
votes
- Restricted by uncooperative legislaturee.g. Obama unable to
pass gun control reform due to GOP majority in House
- Prolonged and failed military campaigns can tarnish
reputatione.g. LBJ and Vietnam
Similarities of the Judiciary (4) - Answer>>- Both face
increasing publicity and controversye.g. R Miller v Brexit Sec.
2017, Kavanaugh hearings 2018
- Judicial independence and review
- Unaccountable, unelected
- Appointed on a life basis
Differences of the Judiciary (4) - Answer>>- Constitutional
sovereignty means the USSC has a much greater impact on laws
and public
- USSC key in development of civil rights vs Parliamentary
legislation in UK
, - UKSC independently appointed by JAC, USSC more politicised
(President, hearings)
- UKSC linked to / limited by EU law vs USSC highest court in
land
Similarities in Electoral systems (3) - Answer>>- Majoritarian
systems, FPTP in executive elections
- Voter profiles and current issues play a major role in voting
behaviour
- Concerns over participation and turnout (69% UK 2017, 61%
USA 2016)
Differences in Electoral systems (7) - Answer>>- Direct election
of President vs UK MPs
- Greater number and types of election in US
- Campaigns focused on candidate vs UK party
- National referendums in UK
- More expensive and unregulated elections in US vs Electoral
Commission UK
- Race and religion more important in US vs class/income UK
- Turnout markedly lower in US (complex registration processes)
Differences in Political Parties (4) - Answer>>- Broader and less
centralised in US (50 parties?)
- Greater influence of third parties in UK (e.g. MEP elections
2019)
- Clear party leaders and manifestos in UK
- Party discipline greater in UK e.g. whip system
Differences in Pressure groups (3) - Answer>>- Structure of US
government allows more access points
- Greater party links to trade unions rather than pressure groups
in UK e.g. over 50% of Labour MPs had links to Unite the Union in
2015
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