Edexcel A-Level Politics sample questions and answers (9PL0)
Guide overview All 28 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
84 sample questions and answers
Taken from every topic of Edexcel A-Level Politics, specification 9PL0. The full guide has 2,101.
Component 1
Democracy and Participation
79 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Current systems of representative and direct democracy
State two differences between direct and representative democracy.
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In direct democracy the people decide each issue themselves; in representative democracy elected officials decide. Direct democracy gives continuous control over every issue, while representative democracy gives only periodic control at elections. -
Current systems of representative and direct democracy
What is meant by a "democratic deficit"?
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A situation where democratic institutions or processes fall short of the democratic ideal — for example weak accountability, low participation, or under-representation of voters’ wishes. -
A wider franchise and debates over suffrage
What did the Representation of the People Act 1928 do?
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It gave women the vote on equal terms with men, lowering the female voting age to 21 — establishing universal adult suffrage.
Component 1
Political Parties
60 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Political parties and their funding
What is meant by a party’s role in "making government accountable"?
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The governing party can be held responsible for its record at elections, while opposition parties scrutinise and offer an alternative government. -
Political parties and their funding
What did the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) establish?
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It established the Electoral Commission and introduced requirements for parties to declare donations above a threshold and report their spending. -
Established political parties
What are the traditional policy priorities of the Conservative Party?
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Free-market economics, lower taxation, individual responsibility, law and order, and a cautious approach to constitutional change.
Component 1
Electoral Systems
48 questions in the guide, across 3 subtopics. More from this topic
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Different electoral systems
Where is STV used in the UK?
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In elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Scottish local councils. -
Different electoral systems
Give two disadvantages of the Supplementary Vote.
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It is not proportional because only one person is elected, and voters must guess which two candidates will reach the final count, so second preferences for other candidates are wasted and the winner may still lack a majority of all votes cast. -
Referendums and how they are used
Give two arguments for the use of referendums.
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They give issues direct democratic legitimacy and settle major constitutional questions with clear public consent, boosting participation.
Component 1
Voting Behaviour and the Media
63 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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The 1979, 1997 and 2010 general election results
What was the scale of Labour's victory in the 1997 general election?
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Labour won 418 seats with 43.2% of the vote, achieving a landslide majority of 179 seats—the largest in the party's history. -
The 1979, 1997 and 2010 general election results
What were the results of the 2010 general election?
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Conservatives won 306 seats (36.1%), Labour won 258 seats (29.0%), and Liberal Democrats won 57 seats (23.0%). No party achieved an overall majority. -
Why elections are won and lost
How did Conservative policies contribute to their defeat in 1997?
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The Conservatives were divided over Europe, associated with unpopular policies like the poll tax, and seen as out of touch after 18 years, while Labour had neutralised traditional Conservative advantages on the economy.
Component 1
Liberalism
68 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Individualism, equality and the liberal state
How do liberals explain the legitimacy of the state through the social contract?
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The state derives its legitimacy from an agreement among individuals who consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights. -
Individualism, equality and the liberal state
What does limited government mean in liberal theory?
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The principle that state power should be constrained through constitutional checks, separation of powers and protection of individual rights. -
Freedom, the rule of law and limited government
How does separation of powers protect individual freedom?
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It divides governmental authority among different branches, preventing the concentration of power that could threaten liberty.
Component 1
Conservatism
82 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Pragmatism, tradition and human imperfection
How do traditional conservatives link pragmatism to their approach to politics?
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They reject ideological blueprints, preferring practical experience over theoretical principles. -
Pragmatism, tradition and human imperfection
How does tradition enhance human security according to conservatives?
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By providing individuals with a sense of belonging and rootedness in familiar customs and institutions. -
The organic society, hierarchy and paternalism
Why do conservatives who hold an organic view of society see hierarchy as functional rather than oppressive?
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Because in an organism, different parts must perform specialised functions at varying levels for the whole to work effectively; similarly, social hierarchy allows different groups to fulfil distinct roles that contribute to the health and stability of society as a whole.
Component 1
Socialism
83 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Collectivism, common ownership and common humanity
Why do socialists argue that collective human effort has greater practical value than individual effort?
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Because coordinated action achieves outcomes impossible for isolated individuals, making collective effort more economically effective. -
Collectivism, common ownership and common humanity
If a society prioritised individual achievement over collective endeavour, what would socialists argue would be lost?
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Solidarity, mutual responsibility, and shared purpose would be undermined, weakening social bonds and the moral fabric of society. -
Equality, social class and workers' control
How does equality relate to the economy in socialist thought?
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Economic inequality is seen as the root cause of social division and injustice.
Component 2
The Constitution
85 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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The nature of the UK constitution
Some argue the UK has become 'quasi-federal'. What supports that description?
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Devolution has given Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland lasting law-making institutions with their own electoral mandates, and the Scotland Act 2016 and Wales Act 2017 declared those bodies permanent. In practice abolishing them would be politically unthinkable, even though it remains legally possible. -
The nature of the UK constitution
What did the Bill of Rights (1689) settle?
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It confirmed that the Crown could not suspend laws, raise taxes or maintain a standing army without Parliament's consent, and guaranteed free elections and freedom of speech in parliamentary proceedings. It marked the shift from royal to parliamentary supremacy. -
The sources of the UK constitution
Give an example of a constitutional principle established through common law.
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The royal prerogative is defined by the courts rather than by statute, and judicial review — the power of the courts to quash unlawful executive action — was itself developed by judges rather than granted by Parliament.
Component 2
Parliament
28 questions in the guide, across 3 subtopics. More from this topic
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The structure and role of the Commons and Lords
What are the main functions of the House of Commons?
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Representing constituents, making and passing legislation, scrutinising the executive, controlling finance/taxation, and sustaining the government (which must command its confidence). -
The structure and role of the Commons and Lords
What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?
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To chair debates impartially, enforce procedure, protect the rights of backbenchers and the opposition, and decide which amendments are selected. The Speaker gives up party allegiance on taking office. -
The comparative powers of the two Houses
What is the central debate about the relative power of the two Houses?
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Whether the Commons is too dominant (an "elective dictatorship") or whether the Lords, though unelected, provides valuable independent scrutiny that the Commons lacks.
Component 2
The Prime Minister and the Executive
67 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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The structure and powers of the Executive
What is the role of government departments in the executive structure?
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They are staffed by civil servants and carry out the administrative work of government under ministerial direction. -
The structure and powers of the Executive
Who sits at the apex of the UK executive structure?
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The Prime Minister. -
The roles of the Executive and ministerial responsibility
Why do most bills debated in Parliament originate from the government rather than backbench MPs?
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Because the executive has the power to initiate legislation, giving it control over the parliamentary agenda.
Component 2
Relations Between the Branches
54 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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The Supreme Court, judicial independence and judicial review
What does judicial independence mean?
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The judiciary must be free from interference or pressure from the executive and legislature when making decisions. -
The Supreme Court, judicial independence and judicial review
What does the term 'ultra vires' mean?
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Acting beyond one's legal powers or authority. -
Parliament and executive dominance
What happens if a government loses a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons?
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The government can be removed from office.
Component 2
Anarchism
88 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Anarchism: core ideas and the rejection of the state
What is altruism in anarchist thought, and under what conditions do anarchists believe it flourishes?
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Altruism is the natural human capacity for selfless concern for others. Anarchists believe it flourishes in the absence of state coercion. -
Anarchism: core ideas and the rejection of the state
How do anarchists believe state structures affect human nature?
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Anarchists argue that state structures have a corrupting impact, distorting natural human goodness and cooperation. -
Liberty, order and the anarchist economy
According to anarchists, what is the source of spontaneous social order?
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Spontaneous social order emerges from human nature itself, as humans naturally tend toward cooperation and mutual aid.
Component 2
Ecologism
71 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Ecology, holism and environmental ethics
How do ecologists define environmental consciousness?
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A condition in which a person comes to understand themselves as part of the natural world rather than as separate from it. -
Ecology, holism and environmental ethics
Why does the ecological principle have different implications for deep-green and shallow-green perspectives?
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Deep-green and shallow-green perspectives interpret the ecological principle differently regarding how radically the state, society and economy need to be transformed in response to environmental concerns. -
Post-materialism, consumerism and sustainability
Define post-materialism.
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Post-materialism is the value orientation that prioritises quality of life, self-expression and environmental protection over economic growth and material acquisition.
Component 2
Feminism
55 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Sex, gender and patriarchy
What does 'sex' refer to in feminist terminology?
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The biological facts of the body — chromosomes, hormones and reproductive anatomy. -
Sex, gender and patriarchy
How do liberal feminists understand patriarchy?
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As a series of legal and social barriers that can be reformed through gradual change within existing political structures. -
Equality, difference and intersectionality
How does difference feminism contrast with equality feminism?
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That the sexes differ in outlook and disposition in ways that run deep, and that women's qualities should be honoured rather than treated as a deficiency to be corrected.
Component 2
Multiculturalism
81 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Key concepts and the politics of recognition
How is tolerance understood within multiculturalism?
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Tolerance means accepting and permitting cultural practices and beliefs that differ from one's own, even if one does not personally approve of them. -
Key concepts and the politics of recognition
Why do multiculturalists treat culture as inseparable from what a person is?
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Because culture shapes how individuals understand themselves and their place in the world. -
Minority rights and their critics
Define minority rights.
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Minority rights are special rights granted by the state to particular cultural groups to address their specific needs that differ from those of the majority.
Component 2
Nationalism
49 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Nationalism: core ideas and principles
Do all nationalists support the nation-state as the ideal political unit?
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No, while most nationalists support the nation-state as the ideal political unit, this position is not universally held among all nationalists. -
Nationalism: core ideas and principles
How widespread is racialist nationalism, and what does it claim determines nationhood?
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A position taken by only a small minority of nationalists, which makes descent the sole test of belonging to a nation. -
Different types of nationalism
What does anti-colonial and post-colonial nationalism seek to achieve?
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It repudiates rule by an outside power and demands that authority pass back to the people of the territory.
Component 3
The US Constitution and Federalism
61 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Democratic features of the US Constitution
What democratic purpose does the Bill of Rights serve within the Constitution?
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The Bill of Rights protects individual liberties from government infringement, ensuring citizens retain fundamental freedoms essential to democratic participation. -
Democratic features of the US Constitution
When was the direct election of Senators introduced, and through what mechanism?
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The 17th Amendment in 1913 changed the selection of Senators from state legislatures to direct popular election. -
Constitutional strengths, weaknesses and modern debates
What problems arise from vague constitutional language?
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It leads to ongoing disputes over interpretation and grants significant power to unelected judges who must determine the meaning of ambiguous provisions.
Component 3
US Congress
74 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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The structure of Congress and congressional elections
How long is a term of office for a US Senator?
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Six years. -
The structure of Congress and congressional elections
What proportion of the House of Representatives faces election every two years?
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The entire House of Representatives is elected every two years. -
The distribution of powers within Congress
What is the enumerated power of Congress to coin money?
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The constitutional authority granted to Congress to produce currency and regulate its value.
Component 3
The US Presidency
41 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Formal sources of presidential power
What is the presidential pardon power?
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A formal constitutional power allowing the President to grant pardons and reprieves for federal offences, exempting individuals from punishment. -
Formal sources of presidential power
What is an electoral mandate in the context of the presidency?
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The claim of authority a president derives from winning election, with larger victory margins and higher turnout strengthening the perceived mandate to pursue their policy agenda. -
Informal power, persuasion and the Executive Office
Who theorised that presidential power is essentially the power to persuade?
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Richard Neustadt.
Component 3
The US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
95 questions in the guide, across 8 subtopics. More from this topic
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The living Constitution and originalism
What two arguments do originalists make against Living Constitution interpretation?
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Judges should not impose their own values on constitutional meaning, and constitutional change should occur through the formal amendment process. -
Judicial review, appointments and the current Court
How did events in 2016 and 2020 show partisan control of the Senate shaping appointments?
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In 2016 the Republican Senate refused to hold hearings on Barack Obama's nominee Merrick Garland, but in 2020 it confirmed Amy Coney Barrett eight days before the presidential election. -
Judicial activism, restraint and public policy
Why is it misleading to equate judicial activism with liberal justices?
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Activism describes a willingness to overturn laws or precedent, not a political direction: the liberal Warren Court of the 1950s and 1960s was activist, but so was the conservative majority that overturned Roe v Wade in 2022.
Component 3
US Democracy and Participation
97 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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The US two-party system
How does the first-past-the-post electoral system reinforce the US two-party system?
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It awards victory to the candidate with the most votes in each district, disadvantaging third parties who may win votes but rarely win seats. -
The US two-party system
What ideological range of factions exists within the Democratic Party?
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Factions range from progressive or democratic socialist wings to moderate centrist elements. -
How a president is elected
Why do the earliest nominating contests matter so much?
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Iowa's caucuses and New Hampshire's primary have traditionally come first, giving winners momentum, media attention and donations, although the Democrats moved South Carolina to the front of their calendar in 2024 to give more weight to a more diverse electorate.
Component 3
Comparative Theories and the Uk-Us Comparison
174 questions in the guide, across 11 subtopics. More from this topic
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Comparing the UK and US legislatures: structure and powers
How does each legislature's role in treaty-making differ?
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A US treaty takes effect only if two-thirds of the Senate consents, which has blocked treaties a President signed. In the UK treaties are made under prerogative power, and Parliament's role is limited to a period in which it may object and to passing any implementing legislation. -
Comparing the UK and US legislatures: strengths and approaches
What is the filibuster rule in the US Senate and how many votes are needed for cloture?
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The filibuster allows senators to extend debate indefinitely; 60 votes are required for cloture to end debate and proceed to a vote. -
Comparing the executives: powers and selection
What formal power does the US President have over legislation that the UK Prime Minister lacks?
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The US President has the constitutional power to veto legislation passed by Congress, whereas the UK Prime Minister has no formal veto power over Parliament.
Component 3
The State and Globalisation
48 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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The nation state, sovereignty and key concepts
What is economic globalisation?
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The integration of national economies through trade, investment, capital flows, and the spread of technology. -
The nation state, sovereignty and key concepts
Define interconnectedness in global politics.
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The complex web of links between people, states, institutions, and economies that characterises the modern world. -
The drivers of globalisation and interconnectedness
How does economic integration drive globalisation?
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It links national economies through trade, investment, and capital flows, creating mutual dependence between states.
Component 3
Global Governance: Political and Economic
61 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Key institutions and terms in global governance
What is NATO and what was its original purpose?
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NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) is a military alliance originally formed for collective defence against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. -
Key institutions and terms in global governance
Which countries comprise the G7 and what happened to the G8?
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The G7 comprises the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan—the seven largest advanced economies meeting to coordinate economic policy. The G8 included Russia until 2014. -
The United Nations: structure, strengths and weaknesses
What is the role of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
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ECOSOC coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and its specialised agencies, promoting international cooperation on development.
Component 3
Global Governance: Human Rights and Environmental
100 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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International law and human rights institutions
What are special UN tribunals and why are they described as temporary?
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Special UN tribunals are temporary courts established to prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law in specific conflicts. They are temporary because they are created for particular situations rather than as permanent institutions. -
International law and human rights institutions
What is the significance of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights in international law?
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The UDHR is a foundational source of authority for international human rights law, setting out fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled. -
Humanitarian intervention and the Responsibility to Protect
How do the national interests of intervening powers contribute to selective interventionism?
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States are more likely to intervene when their own strategic, political, or security interests are at stake, and less likely when no direct national interest is involved.
Component 3
Power and Developments
84 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Different types of power: hard, soft and structural
What is soft power?
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The ability to obtain the outcomes you want because others admire your values, institutions or culture and are drawn to follow your lead, rather than because you have coerced or paid them. -
Different types of power: hard, soft and structural
Give an example of structural power in the global economy.
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Holding a controlling voting share in the IMF and World Bank, or issuing the currency in which most international trade and reserves are denominated, which lets a state set conditions others must meet. -
Great powers, superpowers and emerging powers
What is an emerging power?
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A state whose economic growth, population or regional weight is converting it into a significant international actor, but which does not yet have the global reach of an established great power.
Component 3
Regionalism and the European Union
153 questions in the guide, across 12 subtopics. More from this topic
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Regionalism: forms and growth
What is political regionalism?
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Political regionalism involves states developing shared political institutions, governance structures, and decision-making processes at a regional level. -
Regionalism, sovereignty and levels of integration
What distinguishes NAFTA, the Arab League, and ASEAN from the EU in terms of institutional authority?
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Unlike the EU, they lack supranational institutions with binding authority over member states -
The Arab League and ASEAN
What does the Arab League seek to promote for Arab-speaking nations?
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The common interests of Arab-speaking nations
Component 3
Global Comparative Theories
52 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Realism: states, anarchy and the balance of power
What are the implications of anarchy according to realists?
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Each state must provide for its own security, since no one else will. That makes self-help the governing principle, breeds mutual suspicion, and turns relative advantage over rivals into the measure of success. -
Realism: states, anarchy and the balance of power
How do realists say a balance of power is maintained?
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By states building their own strength and by forming and switching alliances against whichever power is growing most threatening, regardless of ideology or friendship. -
Liberalism: morality, interdependence and global governance
What is complex interdependence?
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A condition in which states are linked by so many channels — trade, finance, investment, migration, communication — that their prosperity depends on one another, military force loses its usefulness, and no single issue dominates the agenda.
Edexcel A-Level Politics Active Recall Guide
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