Theme D: Power and influence — Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies
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Theme D: Power and influence explained
Theme D explores the nature of power and influence in local, national, and global contexts.
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It examines how citizens, governments, and the media exercise power, contrasts democratic and non-democratic systems, and investigates the UK's role in international relations and global conflict.
What to demonstrate
- Understanding of citizen participation methods (direct and indirect action)
- Analysis of the role and influence of the media and a free press
- Knowledge of the UK's relationship with the EU post-Brexit
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- Understanding of international organisations (UN, NATO, Commonwealth, WTO)
- Knowledge of international law and humanitarian law in conflict situations
- Comparison of democratic and non-democratic political systems
Theme D: Power and influence exam tips
Topic Overview
Theme D: Power and influence explores how power is distributed and exercised in the UK and globally. You'll examine the roles of government, Parliament, the judiciary, and the media, as well as how citizens can influence decision-making. This theme is central to understanding democracy, accountability, and the balance of power in society.
You will study the concept of sovereignty, the separation of powers, and the ways in which pressure groups and social movements can effect change. The theme also covers the influence of the European Union (historically) and international organisations like the United Nations. Understanding these structures helps you evaluate who holds power and how it can be challenged.
This topic builds on earlier themes about rights and responsibilities, and it connects to current affairs. By the end, you should be able to analyse real-world examples of power in action, such as the impact of a judicial review or a successful campaign by a pressure group. This knowledge is essential for active citizenship and for exam questions that ask you to evaluate different sources of power.
Key Concepts
- →Sovereignty: The ultimate authority within a territory. In the UK, parliamentary sovereignty means Parliament can make or repeal any law, though this has been affected by EU membership and devolution.
- →Separation of powers: The division of government into three branches – legislature (Parliament), executive (government), and judiciary (courts) – to prevent any one body from becoming too powerful.
- →Pressure groups: Organisations that seek to influence government policy without seeking power themselves. Examples include Greenpeace (cause group) and the British Medical Association (sectional group).
- →Media influence: The role of traditional and social media in shaping public opinion and holding power to account, including the concept of the 'fourth estate'.
Marking Points
- Understanding of citizen participation methods (direct and indirect action)
- Analysis of the role and influence of the media and a free press
- Knowledge of the UK's relationship with the EU post-Brexit
- Understanding of international organisations (UN, NATO, Commonwealth, WTO)
- Knowledge of international law and humanitarian law in conflict situations
- Comparison of democratic and non-democratic political systems
Examiner Tips
- 💡Ensure you can distinguish between direct and indirect forms of political participation
- 💡Be prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods of influence used by pressure groups
- 💡Keep up to date with current examples of the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU regarding trade, migration, and travel
- 💡When discussing global conflict, always refer to the role of international law and NGOs
- 💡Use specific examples: When discussing pressure groups, mention real ones like 'Extinction Rebellion' or 'the Countryside Alliance' and explain their methods and impact. This shows detailed knowledge.
- 💡Evaluate, don't just describe: For higher marks, compare different sources of power (e.g., media vs. judiciary) and assess their relative influence. Use phrases like 'on one hand... on the other hand'.
- 💡Link to key terms: Always define and apply concepts like 'parliamentary sovereignty' or 'democratic legitimacy' in your answers. Examiners look for accurate use of specialist vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the roles of the European Union and the Council of Europe
- Failing to link media influence to the concept of accountability
- Generalising the UK's role in international conflicts without specific reference to methods like mediation, sanctions, or force
- Lack of focus on the barriers to citizen participation
- Misconception: The UK has a written constitution like the USA. Correction: The UK has an uncodified constitution, meaning it is not contained in a single document but is found in statutes, common law, conventions, and authoritative works.
- Misconception: The Prime Minister has absolute power. Correction: The PM's power is limited by Parliament, the cabinet, the judiciary, and public opinion. They can be removed by a vote of no confidence.
- Misconception: Pressure groups are always democratic. Correction: Some pressure groups use undemocratic methods (e.g., illegal protests) or have internal structures that are not democratic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?
A political party aims to win elections and form a government, so it seeks political power. A pressure group, on the other hand, does not want to govern; it tries to influence those in power on specific issues. For example, the Labour Party is a political party, while Friends of the Earth is a pressure group that campaigns on environmental issues.
How does the media hold power to account in the UK?
The media acts as a 'fourth estate' by investigating and reporting on the actions of government, Parliament, and other powerful institutions. For example, investigative journalism can expose scandals (like the MPs' expenses scandal), which can lead to resignations or changes in the law. Social media also allows citizens to challenge power directly, as seen in movements like #MeToo.
What is the separation of powers and why is it important?
The separation of powers divides government into three branches: the legislature (makes laws), the executive (implements laws), and the judiciary (interprets laws). This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures checks and balances. In the UK, the separation is not absolute (e.g., the Prime Minister is both an MP and head of the executive), but it is still a key principle of democracy.
How can citizens influence government decisions?
Citizens can influence decisions through voting in elections, joining pressure groups, signing petitions, contacting their MP, or taking part in protests. For example, the 2019 petition to revoke Article 50 received over 6 million signatures, showing how online petitions can amplify public opinion. However, influence often depends on the issue's salience and the government's responsiveness.
What is parliamentary sovereignty and has it changed?
Parliamentary sovereignty means that Parliament is the supreme legal authority – it can make or repeal any law, and no court can overrule it. However, this has been limited by EU membership (until Brexit), the Human Rights Act 1998, and devolution to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For example, the Supreme Court can now declare UK laws incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, though it cannot strike them down.
How do judges check the power of the government?
Judges can check government power through judicial review, where they examine whether a decision or law is lawful. If a government action is found to be ultra vires (beyond its legal power), the court can quash it. For example, in 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that Boris Johnson's prorogation of Parliament was unlawful, showing the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law.