Politics 9 Markers UK (Paper 1)

Three ways EU membership impacted UK politics and policymaking

Parliamentary sovereignty – EU law had supremacy in areas of EU competence, limiting Parliament's ability to make conflicting laws.

Policy influence – UK governments had to follow EU regulations on areas such as trade, employment and the environment.

Political divisions – EU membership divided parties, particularly the Conservatives, contributing to the Brexit referendum in 2016.

Three powers of the UK Prime Minister

Cabinet appointments – The PM chooses and dismisses ministers, allowing them to influence government direction.

Royal prerogative – The PM exercises important executive powers, including recommending the appointment of ministers.

Setting government policy – The PM provides strategic direction and influences the legislative programme.

Three ways judicial impartiality is upheld in the UK

Judicial independence – Judges have security of tenure, protecting them from political pressure.

Judicial Appointments Commission – Appointments are based on merit rather than party loyalty.

Separation from government – The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 established the Supreme Court separately from Parliament's judicial role.

Three ways Labour ideology changed under different leaders

Tony Blair – Introduced the Third Way, accepting capitalism and private enterprise while maintaining social justice.

Jeremy Corbyn – Moved Labour towards democratic socialism, supporting nationalisation and greater redistribution.

Keir Starmer – Adopted a more moderate approach, emphasising economic stability and working with businesses.

Three ways backbench MPs influence policy in the legislative process

Amendments – MPs propose changes to bills, potentially forcing government concessions.

Rebellions – MPs vote against their party, putting pressure on ministers to change policy.

Select committees – Backbench MPs investigate government departments and recommend policy improvements.

Three ways pressure groups promote UK democracy

Representation – They represent minority interests that political parties may overlook.

Participation – Campaigns encourage citizens to engage with political issues between elections.

Accountability – They expose government decisions and pressure politicians to justify their actions.

Three ways election results affect the types of government formed in the UK

Overall majority – A party winning more than half the seats can form a majority government.

Hung Parliament – No party has a majority, potentially resulting in a coalition or minority government.

Balance of power – Smaller parties can support a minority government through confidence-and-supply agreements.

Three ways rights are protected in the UK

Human Rights Act 1998 – Incorporates ECHR rights into UK law, allowing individuals to challenge violations.

Judicial review – Courts can declare unlawful government decisions that breach legal rights.

Parliamentary legislation – Parliament passes laws protecting rights, such as the Equality Act 2010.

Three methods UK pressure groups use to achieve their aims

Lobbying – They contact MPs and ministers to influence legislation and policy.

Demonstrations – Public protests attract attention and pressure government to respond.

Media campaigns – Groups use newspapers and social media to influence public opinion.

Three ways the media influences election outcomes

Agenda setting – Media coverage makes certain issues more important to voters, influencing what they prioritise.

Leadership image – Positive or negative coverage can improve or damage a party leader's popularity.

Political bias – Newspapers may support particular parties, influencing readers' opinions and voting choices.

Three ways the Official Opposition challenges government in the Commons

PMQs – Opposition MPs question the Prime Minister and expose weaknesses in government policy.

Opposition Days – The Opposition chooses debate topics to challenge government decisions and attract attention.

Votes and amendments – Opposition MPs can oppose legislation and propose changes to government bills.

Three ways UK political parties select their leaders

MP involvement – MPs can shortlist candidates, ensuring contenders have parliamentary support.

Party membership – Members may vote to select the leader, giving grassroots supporters influence.

Leadership rules – Different parties use different nomination and voting procedures, influencing how democratic selection is.

Three ways EU membership impacted UK politics

Sovereignty – EU membership limited parliamentary sovereignty because EU law took precedence in relevant areas.

Political divisions – Europe divided political parties, particularly the Conservatives, contributing to Brexit.

Devolution – EU membership influenced devolved policy areas, creating disagreements between Westminster and devolved governments.

Three ways collective responsibility came under pressure since 1979

Cabinet resignations – Ministers resign when they cannot support government policy, demonstrating divisions.

Public disagreement – Ministers sometimes publicly criticise government decisions, weakening the appearance of unity.

Agreed exceptions – Leaders can allow ministers to disagree openly, as happened during the 2016 EU referendum campaign.

Three long-term factors other than class influencing voting behaviour

Age – Younger and older voters often have different political priorities and party preferences.

Ethnicity – Ethnic background can influence political experiences and voting preferences.

Region – Different areas have different political identities and economic interests, influencing party support.

Three ways judicial independence is upheld in the UK

Security of tenure – Judges cannot easily be dismissed, protecting them from political pressure.

Independent appointments – The Judicial Appointments Commission recommends candidates based on merit.

Separation of powers – The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 strengthened the separation between judiciary and government.

Three influences upon individual MPs when voting in the Commons

Party loyalty – MPs often follow the party whip to maintain party unity.

Constituency interests – MPs may vote according to what benefits their constituents.

Personal beliefs – MPs can rebel when legislation conflicts with their own principles.

Three circumstances under which UK referendums have been held

Constitutional change – The 1997 Scottish devolution referendum decided whether Scotland should have its own Parliament.

Major political decisions – The 2016 EU referendum allowed voters to decide whether the UK should leave the EU.

Electoral reform – The 2011 AV referendum asked voters whether the UK should change its voting system.

Three ways the Cabinet can limit the power of the Prime Minister

Collective disagreement – Cabinet ministers can challenge the PM during meetings, forcing them to reconsider policies.

Resignations – Ministers can resign in protest, damaging the PM's authority and public image. Example: Geoffrey Howe resigned in 1990.

Threats to party unity – If ministers oppose the PM, they can encourage wider rebellion within the governing party, threatening their leadership.

Three ways minor parties influence the UK political agenda

Parliamentary representation – Minor parties raise issues in debates and question government policies.

Coalition influence – Smaller parties can negotiate policy concessions when larger parties need their support.

Media attention – Minor parties can bring neglected issues into public debate through campaigning.

Three factors that make some UK pressure groups more successful

Financial resources – Wealthier groups can employ professional lobbyists and fund larger campaigns.

Insider status – Groups with direct government access can influence policies more easily.

Public support – Groups with large memberships and popular campaigns can put greater pressure on politicians.