Paper 2 Section A

Question 1

What is meant by the term ‘British values’?
[1 mark]

Shade in the one correct answer.
A Values that are only found in British society.
B Values associated with contemporary British society.
C Values invented by the British.
D Values shared by citizens in all societies

Answer 1

What is meant by the term ‘British values’?
Correct response – B
AO1 = 1

Question 2

Source A
Democracy in Turkey
Turkey’s President Erdoğan has been criticised for harming democracy in Turkey.
His critics said he had:
• attacked freedom of speech by placing restrictions on the media and journalists
• attacked the independence of the judiciary, eg putting ‘pressure’ on judges to
make rulings that are in the interests of the government
• reduced the limits on the President’s power, eg using the failed coup of July
2016 as an excuse to change the constitution and sacking his opponents from
their jobs in the army, judiciary and civil service.

Compare two features of the situation in Turkey, described in Source A, with how
democracy works in Britain.
[4 marks]

Answer 2

turkey
A President.
Attack on freedom of speech.
Media censored.
Judicial independence restricted.
Changing the constitution.
Political opponents sacked

britain 
A Prime Minister.
Right of free speech.
A free press.
Judicial independence.
Parliamentary sovereignty.
Choice of parties

Question 2

Which of the following statements accurately defines the concept of ‘Citizenship’?
[1 mark]

A Legal status given by a state to a person to show their membership of
that state.
B Legal rights a person is entitled to in the particular country in which they
are living.
C Legal rights a person is entitled to in the country in which they were born.
D Legal process by which a citizen gains their identity

Answer 2

Which of the following statements accurately defines the concept of
‘Citizenship’?
Correct response – A
AO1 = 1

Question 4

Explain the term ‘presumption of innocence’.

[2 marks]

Answer 4

Explain the term ‘presumption of innocence’.
Award one mark for an accurate definition of the term ‘presumption of
innocence’ involving a suspect remaining innocent until proven guilty.
Award an additional mark for identifying the fact that this needs to be
done in a court of law. Do not award marks for in the ‘court of public
opinion’ or in the media.
AO1=2

Question 5

Identify two positive consequences of immigration on UK society

Answer 5

• Meet labour demand e.g. in agriculture & high skill areas
• Supports multi-culturalism
• Enhances tolerance
• Contribution to the culture of the UK

Question 6

Source B
Multiple identities
Nationality is one source of identity. For example, a sportsperson can represent
Britain at the Olympics but England/Scotland/Wales or Northern Ireland during the
Commonwealth Games or the football World Cup. This shows that we have
multiple, overlapping identities.

Describe two ways a UK citizen may have multiple identities not mentioned in
Source B.

[4 marks]

Answer 6

Indicative content
The source discusses national identity – therefore description of this is not
creditworthy. This should lead to the candidate describing two alternative
ways in which a UK citizen may have multiple identities. Examples of
such multiple identities may include the following: ethnicity; language;
gender; region; religion; culture; disability/ability; class; and
income.

Question 7

What is meant by ‘soft power’?
[1 mark]

A Using military force to achieve objectives.
B Using economic sanctions to achieve objectives.
C Using cultural and political values to achieve objectives.
D Using diplomacy to achieve objectives.

Answer 7

What is meant by ‘soft power’?
Correct response – C
AO1 = 1

Question 8

Identify one of the aims of NATO.

[1 mark]

Answer 8

• To provide a system of defence
• To guarantee the freedom and security of its members
• Promoting democratic values
• Enabling members to consult and cooperate
• Maintain peace
• For members of NATO to spend 2% of their GDP on defence.

Question 9

Identify one positive and one negative impact of the UK leaving the EU.
[2 marks]

Answer 9

Award one mark for a correctly identified positive impact such as:
• The restoration of ‘Parliamentary sovereignty’
• Freedom to arrange trade deals with other countries
• Stricter control on immigration
• Being economically better off
• A reduction in ‘democratic overload’
• No Longer contributing to the EU’s budget.

Award one mark for a correctly identified potential negative impact such
as:
• Loss of influence
• Loss of workers’ rights
• Weakening of environmental protection laws
• Increased threat to the territorial integrity of the UK – Scottish
‘IndyRef2’
• Brexit negotiations distract UK Government from ‘running the country’
• Economically worse off – increase in the cost of food, etc

Question 10

Source C
The Iraq War
The United Kingdom’s armed forces have been used to intervene in many
international disputes and conflicts in recent years in an attempt to resolve them.
This use of force has been controversial. Some believe that the use of force often
fails to resolve disputes and conflicts and makes the situation worse. The use of
force may result in an increase in suffering for the civilian population.
The post-war situation which developed in Iraq after the end of the Iraq War in 2003
highlighted these problems.
There have been calls for alternative methods to be used when the United Kingdom
intervenes in any future international conflict in order to avoid such problems
occurring.

Discuss two methods, not mentioned in Source C, which the UK government could
use to help resolve international disputes and conflicts.
[4 marks]

Answer 10

Mediation - the UK government has been involved in numerous
mediation attempts to resolve disputes and conflicts by seeking a
peaceful resolution or sponsoring international conferences which lead to
a peaceful resolution.
Sanctions - the UK government operates a range of sanctions, from
arms embargoes and trade control restrictions to defence export policies,
against a number of countries and terrorist organisations. These
sanctions are normally imposed as part of a collective action by
international bodies such as the EU, NATO or the UN.
Humanitarian aid – the UK government provides non-military aid to
countries suffering conflicts in order to alleviate the suffering of the civilian
population. This aid takes the form of food, shelter and medical help.

Question 11

What is ‘fake news’?
[1 mark]

A When the media publish stories to deliberately trick their readership
such as on ‘April Fools’ Day’.
B When the media publish articles by politically biased politicians during
an election campaign.
C When the media publish a story about a celebrity without getting that
person’s consent to do so.
D When the media publish hoaxes, propaganda, and disinformation as
‘real news’.

Answer 11

What is ‘fake news’?
Correct response – D
AO1 = 1

Question 12

‘The UK media is very effective at keeping UK citizens well informed about politics.’
Considering a range of views, to what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
[8 marks]

Answer 12

Indicative content
Points which may be raised in agreement with the statement could
include:
• Newspapers are free from political interference in the UK and so
the ‘freedom of the press’ means it can be effective in keeping UK
citizens well informed
• In the UK it is accepted that the media have the right to report on
issues of public interest e.g. in 2009 the Daily Telegraph
investigated “MPs’ expenses claim”
• Social media and the internet has enhanced the power of the
media as shown by the 2015 publication of the body of a dead
refugee on a Turkish beach which led to a change of UK
government policy within 24 hours
• Publication of opinion polls can also be seen as an important way
in which the media keeps citizens informed.

Points which may be raised in disagreement with the statement could
include:
• In the age of ‘post-truth’ politics and ‘fake news’ the media is no
longer trusted and therefore its ability to perform this role is
compromised leading to citizens seeking their information from
places such as Facebook
• Newspapers are politically bias and this effects the way they
report
• The overlapping nature of the ‘ruling elites’, or the ‘establishment’,
is a barrier to the media being effective in keeping UK citizens well
informed
• The priorities of powerful individuals/institutions prevent effective
provision of information
• The owners of media pursue their own agendas
• Newspapers in particular no longer have the resources to carry
out effectively their role of keeping UK citizens well informed
AO3=8

Question 13

Name a UK-based pressure group.

[1 mark]

Answer 13

• any NAMED Trade Union
• NFU – National Farmers Union
• BMA – British Medical Association

Question 14

‘Pressure groups strengthen democracy in the UK by providing citizens with a voice.’
Considering a range of views, to what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?

In your answer you should consider:
• opportunities and barriers to citizen participation in democracy
• how citizens can try to bring about political change.

(8 marks)

Answer 14

Indicative content
Points which may be raised in agreement with the statement could
include:
• More people belong to pressure groups than to political parties
• Pressure groups speak up for the public on issues that politicians do
not discuss
• Pressure groups raise awareness about issues between elections
• If pressure groups did not exist, politicians could ignore a large number
of issues
• Pressure groups can raise immediate issues with politicians
• Citizens are able to bring about political change via their involvement
with pressure groups
• This involvement may take different forms: ‘chequebook’ membership;
signing petitions; demonstrations; volunteering; etc.

Points which may be raised in disagreement with the statement could
include:
• Pressure groups have too much influence, as they are concerned
about a narrow issue
• Politicians pay too much attention to pressure groups, all of which are
unrepresentative
• Pressure groups are themselves undemocratic and often use nondemocratic methods
• Some insider groups exert too much power and influence to the
detriment of the whole population
• Politicians are too concerned with immediate headlines and over-react
to every protest.
AO3 = 8

Question 15

Which of the following organisations regulates television and radio in the UK?
Shade in the one correct answer.
[1 mark]
A IPSO
B DVLA
C Ofcom
D Ofsted

Answer 15

C

Question 16

Identify two examples of social media.

[2 marks]

Answer 16

Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Snapchat

Question 17

Source A
The Freedom of the Media
Following the Leveson Report 2012 into phone tapping by newspapers, concerns
were raised over the freedom of the media to intrude into people’s personal lives.
During the 2016 US Presidential election, similar concerns were raised about social
media. According to Stanford University, 60% of American adults got their news
about the election from social media. Social media was used to share 40 million
fake news stories during the election.
This situation has led some people to question whether democracy is undermined
by too much media freedom.

Referring to Source A, discuss two reasons why restricting the freedom of the media
could strengthen democracy.
[4 marks]

Answer 17

Erosion of personal
privacy
• The privacy and rights of the citizen
need to be safeguarded from
intrusion by an unaccountable media.
• The media may seek to undermine
public figures, via revelations about
their private lives, with whom they
disagree politically

Unreliable news stories
 The media needs to play a
responsible role in accurately
informing citizens to ensure they are
able to participate in the democratic
process effectively.
• The citizen needs to be able to trust
their sources of information if they
are to make informed decisions in
things such as referendums.

Question 18

What percentage of the UK’s population lives in England?
Shade in the one correct answer.
[1 mark]
A 94%
B 84%
C 74%
D 64%

Answer 18

B

Question 19

Using one example, explain the term ‘global identity’.

[2 marks]

Answer 19

Using one example, explain the term ‘global identity’.
Award 1 mark for an accurate definition of the term ‘global identity’ and
award 1 mark for an example.
The idea that an individual feels part of a global community – their identity
is not constrained by geographical or national ties but may be based upon
emotional ties which can be experienced by citizens from around the
world.
An example may be cultural (being a Manchester United supporter) or
political (being a socialist or environmentalist).
AO1 = 2

Question 20

Describe two reasons for the changes in the UK’s population shown by the graph in
Source B.
[4 marks]

Answer 20

• Immigration
• Employment
• Education
• European Union
• Escaping War Zones

Award an additional mark for the
clear development of the reason
identified by the candidate. This
development may be through a
link to source B or the actual
development of the reason
identified by the candidate for the
changes in the UK’s population
shown in source B.

Question 21

The United Kingdom is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Identify two other permanent members of the UN Security Council.
[2 marks]

Answer 21

Award 1 mark for each correctly identified permanent member of the UN
Security Council other than the UK. These are: the USA; Russia; China;
and France

Question 22

Explain the purpose of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

[1 mark]

Answer 22

The purpose of the WTO is to deal with the global rules of trade between
nations.

Question 23

Which of the following is the Head of the Commonwealth?
Shade in the one correct answer.
[1 mark]
A The UK Prime Minister
B The Prince of Wales
C The UK Monarch
D The Duke of Cambridge

Answer 23

C

Question 24

Source C
The Commonwealth
The strengths of the Commonwealth, which make it an important international
organisation, allow it to help its member countries tackle the problems they face.
The Commonwealth helps its member countries develop projects to tackle the
effect of climate change. These projects often use green technology to promote
more sustainable ways of living.
The Commonwealth also helps its member countries build more harmonious and
cohesive communities and to create strategies to tackle the underlying causes of
extremism.

With reference to Source C discuss two strengths of the Commonwealth which allow
it to help its member countries tackle the problems they face.
[4 marks]

Answer 24

Strengths - The size of the
Commonwealth
development - • It has 53 member states
which includes 30% of the
world’s population. This
gives the Commonwealth
‘global reach’ in tackling
global issues such as
climate change

• The values of the
Commonwealth.
All members must sign the
Commonwealth Charter
which outlines the
principles and values all
member states should both
adhere to and promote, eg
democracy, human rights
and the rule of law. This
allows the Commonwealth
to provide leadership for
member countries tackling
the underlying causes of
extremism. 

- The experience and
expertise the
Commonwealth can
provide
The Commonwealth can
provide effective support
and guidance to its
member states in tackling
climate change and the
underlying causes of
extremism.

• The leadership provided by
the Commonwealth.
• Due its size and/or values
the Commonwealth can
provide leadership for its
members in tackling
climate change and the
underlying causes of
extremism

Question 25

At what age were people allowed to vote in the 2014 Scottish Independence
referendum?
Shade in the one correct answer.
[1 mark]
A 16
B 17
C 18
D 21

Answer 25

A

Question 26

‘Young people have a responsibility to participate in the democratic process.’
Examine the case for or against this statement.
[8 marks]

Answer 26

Points which may be raised in agreement with the statement could
include:
• high participation rates are necessary for a healthy democracy and all
citizens, especially the young, have a civic duty to subsequently
participate
• it is the responsibility of all citizens, including the young, to ensure they
are well-informed and therefore able to participate effectively in that
society’s democratic process
• if young people fail to participate in the democratic process they forfeit
the right to complain or protest against government decisions which
adversely affect them or causes they believe in
• decisions taken by government will, inevitably, affect young people so it
is their interest to participate.

Points which may be raised in disagreement with the statement could
include:
• most young people in the UK being uninterested in, or are apathetic
towards politics – due to a distrust of government and a lack of faith in
politicians – and the responsibility to address this apathy lies with the
political system not young people
• some young people in the UK being ‘hapathetic’ – quite content with
their lives – have no desire or need to get involved in the democratic
process, a decision which is a perfectly responsible one to take
• many young people in the UK having a lack of understanding of how
the democratic process works – and therefore being are ill-informed
about politics and party policies – and the responsibility to address this
lies with the political system not young people
• the issues which politicians talk about being of no interest, or perceived
relevance, to young people in the UK and therefore politicians are
responsible for youth disengagement with politics and not young people
themselves.

Question 27

Name one method a pressure group could use to achieve its aim.
[1 mark]

Answer 27

• petitions
• demonstrations
• lobbying
• direct action
• celebrity endorsement
• boycotts; leafleting
• use of social media
• media stunts

Question 28

Political parties strengthen democracy in the UK by providing citizens with a voice.’

To what extent do you agree with this statement?
In your answer you should consider:
• the role played by political parties in the UK
• the barriers which prevent citizens from participating in democracy
• the opportunities for citizens to participate in democracy.
[8 marks]

Answer 28

Points which may be raised in agreement with the statement, in terms of
how political parties may provide a voice, and an opportunity for
democratic participation, for citizens could include political parties:
• provide an important means by which the citizen can exercise control
over the government via voting in elections
• have a broader representative role than the narrow sectional one of
pressure groups
• provide an important means of participation via allowing citizens to both
join a political party and also stand for elected office
• are effective mechanisms for the aggregation of citizen demands into
coherent policy agendas i.e. manifestos.

Points which may be raised in disagreement with the statement, in terms
of how political parties may not provide a voice, and a means to
overcome barriers to participation in democracy, for citizens could include
political parties:
• have dwindling memberships
• are increasingly similar in political outlook – converging on the ‘middle
ground’ – and composition – similar background ‘social elite’
• can themselves be undemocratic i.e. candidate selection
• can be beholden to undemocratic forces i.e. certain pressure groups or
wealthy donors.

Question 29

Identify the year in which the Human Rights Act was passed.
[1 mark]
A 1948
B 1953
C 1990
D 1998

Answer 29

D

Question 30

Name two ‘British values’.

[2 marks]

Answer 30

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Respect
• Tolerance

Question 31

Source A box
Rights and duties
The rights a citizen has in a democracy are often linked to duties. Some duties are
legally binding. Others are not. For example, citizens have a right to vote but
voting is not compulsory in the UK.
Voting is often seen as a duty because many people think that for a democracy to
be successful, the voices of all citizens should be heard. This is achieved most
effectively when all citizens vote.

Describe why it is important for British society that citizens fulfil two other duties,
not mentioned in Source A.
[4 marks]

Answer 31

Obey the law
• This will make society more peaceful
and cohesive.

pay their taxes
• This will mean more money for the governments to spend on public services

tolerate and respect other people
• This will make society fairer and free
from discrimination.

Be active citizens (in ways
other than voting)
• This gives citizens a voice and strengthens democracy

be a juror
• This ensures that citizens are judged by their peers/get a fair trial.

Question 32

What does the 2010 Equality Act protect citizens from? box
[1 mark]
A Discrimination
B Increases in taxation
C Jury service
D War crimes

Answer 32

a`

Question 33

Identify two ways Britain could be described as a multicultural society.
[2 marks]

Answer 33

• Britain is a multi-faith society
• Britain is made up of four separate nations
• Britain is a multiracial society
• Britain has a long history of immigratio

Question 34

Source B box
The need for mutual respect and understanding in a diverse society
UK politicians often talk about the need for greater tolerance of difference in
Britain’s diverse society.
One way this was attempted was the introduction in 2011 of the
National Citizenship Service (NCS) for 15-17 year olds.
One purpose of the NCS is to help young people gain an understanding of social
diversity and the importance of tolerating others.

Describe two ways, not mentioned in Source B, that could make British citizens more
tolerant of diversity.
[4 marks]

Answer 34

• More citizenship lessons
in school.
As this will increase young citizens’
understanding of British
society/common values.

• More British history
lessons in school.
As this will increase young citizens’
awareness of shared identity and
common values

• Encourage more
volunteering/community
action.
As this will encourage citizens to
work with others and integrate more
fully into society

• Pass laws.
That will promote equality, encourage
fairness and prevent discrimination.

• Deny publicity to extremist
views
As this will prevent intolerant ideas
gaining credibility

Question 35

Which of the following has an elected parliament? box
[1 mark]
A The Commonwealth
B The European Union
C The United Nations
D The World Trade Organisation

Answer 35

B

Question 36

Name the organisation which created the European Convention on Human Rights.
[1 mark]

Answer 36

council of europe

Question 37

Identify two methods used by the UK to resolve international conflicts.
[2 marks

Answer 37

• Humanitarian Aid (accept ‘Aid’ as a correct answer)
• Use of force
• Sanctions
• Mediation (accept negotiations or arranging conferences/treaties)

Question 38

Source C box
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
In March 2019 Cyclone Idai caused massive flooding in Mozambique. Large areas
were left without communications, without power and without clean water.
Houses and crops disappeared beneath six metres of flood water. Roads and
bridges were also destroyed by the flooding. The survivors had to find shelter from
the flood on rooftops and in trees. An eyewitness said the effects of the flood were
“like living through a full-scale war”.
The economic cost of the flood also halted progress in reducing poverty in
Mozambique.

With reference to Source C, describe how an NGO might respond to this
humanitarian crisis.
[4 marks]

Answer 38

Mozambique (Source C)
NGO RESPONSE
• The flooding stranded
survivors.
Provide volunteers and equipment to
help rescue stranded survivors

• The flooding destroyed
houses.
Provide volunteers and materials to
build temporary shelter for survivors.

• The flooding destroyed
crops.
Provide food aid to feed the
survivors

• The flooding resulted in
the loss of clean water
(and as a consequence
increased the risk of
disease).
Provide medical aid and doctors to
treat the injured and deal with any
outbreak of disease

• The flooding destroyed
roads, bridges and power
supplies.
• Provide money, volunteers and
expertise to help rebuild the
infrastructure of Mozambique

• Cost to rebuild/provide aid.
Fundraising efforts to help provide
financial support for the
rescue/rebuilding efforts – which
could include lobbying relevant
governments and organisations

Question 39

Which of the box following is a pressure group?
[1 mark]
A Defra
B NATO
C Ofcom
D Oxfam

Answer 39

D

Question 40

‘Citizens, by working together, can change public policy, challenge injustice or resolve
local community issues.’
Examine this statement.
[8 marks

Answer 40

Answers may examine the effectiveness of citizen group action with
reference to the following factors which tend to determine how successful
the fight to change public policy, challenge an injustice or resolve a local
community issue proves to be:
• Objectives
• Membership
• Strategy and tactics
• Opposition
• Funding
• Relationship with government
• Relationship with the media.

Question 41

Explain the term box ‘voter turnout’.

[1 mARK]

Answer 41

Award 1 mark for an accurate explanation of the term ‘voter turnout’ as
either the number, or percentage, of voters who actually vote.
AO1 = 1

Question 42

‘Democracy in the UK needs to be strengthened.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
In your answer you should consider:
• opportunities for participation in democracy
• barriers to participation in democracy
• issues relating to voter apathy and the debate about voting age.
[8 marks]

Answer 42

Points which may be included to argue that democracy needs to be
strengthened:
• Many important institutions are socially unrepresentative and therefore
undermine key values such as equality and representation
• Cuts to public services and public funding, in particular things such as
legal aid or youth clubs, undermine attempts to integrate young people
into society and promote equal access for all citizens to the law
• E-democracy is ineffective as online petitions are ignored by
government
• Cuts in education funding have undermined attempts to promote British
values throughout the school system
• The voting age of 18 is unfair as 16-year olds are held responsible for
their actions in other ways (criminal responsibility and joining the armed
forces) but are not allowed to vote
• The electoral system is undemocratic as First Past the Post’ (FPTP)
system is unrepresentative and referendums are rarely used
• Current political institutions are no longer trusted by the public
• The media is no longer trusted as a reliable source of information.

Points which may be included to argue that democracy is already strong:
• Important institutions are increasingly socially representative, and
legislation such as the 2010 Equalities Act have helped to encourage
this further
• All citizens still have access to the law and are guaranteed fair
treatment in the justice system
• E-democracy is an active feature of UK democracy, in particular online
petitions
• The UK Government’s Prevent strategy in schools and colleges is an
active attempt to counter extremism and promote the key values of
tolerance, fairness, understanding and democracy
• The voting age reflects the age at which a young person can be
considered fully responsible for their actions and is therefore the
appropriate age for being able to vote
• Proportional representation (PR) is used in many elections in the UK
and referendums are an increasingly important feature of British
democracy
• Although the public’s trust in current politicians has been weakened,
the UK’s political institutions are still effective in performing their roles
• Many organisations in the media, such as the BBC, are still trusted to
be impartial and reliable.