What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Politics?

Use recent election data (e.g., 2017 and 2019) to illustrate changes in voter behaviour and electoral outcomes

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Politics? (2)

Reference key psephologists and their models (Butler and Stokes for party identification, Clarke et al. for valence politics) to strengthen analysis

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Politics? (3)

When evaluating electoral systems, always consider both theoretical principles and practical outcomes (e.g., proportionality vs. constituency link)

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Politics? (4)

Structure essays with clear thematic paragraphs that address social, psychological, and rational choice factors separately before synthesizing a conclusion

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Politics? (5)

In source-based questions, interpret statistics or extracts by linking them explicitly to course concepts rather than just describing them

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Politics?

Confusing plurality and majority electoral systems, such as treating FPTP as a majority system

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Politics? (2)

Overgeneralizing voting behaviour by relying solely on class without acknowledging age, region, or issue voting

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Politics? (3)

Failing to provide specific election examples to support arguments

Politics

AQA

A-Level

Specification: AQA-A-Level-Politics

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Ready to practise?

AI-powered quizzes tailored to your specification

Start Practising

Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

45%-50%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues

AO2

35%-40%

Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences

AO3

25%-30%

Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing plurality and majority electoral systems, such as treating FPTP as a majority system
•Overgeneralizing voting behaviour by relying solely on class without acknowledging age, region, or issue voting
•Failing to provide specific election examples to support arguments
•Misunderstanding dealignment as a complete rejection of parties rather than a loosening of ties
•Ignoring the impact of short-term factors like leadership image and campaign events
•Failing to link theoretical concepts to contemporary examples
•Describing processes rather than evaluating their effectiveness
•Neglecting the interrelationships between the different branches of government

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use recent election data (e.g., 2017 and 2019) to illustrate changes in voter behaviour and electoral outcomes
•Reference key psephologists and their models (Butler and Stokes for party identification, Clarke et al. for valence politics) to strengthen analysis
•When evaluating electoral systems, always consider both theoretical principles and practical outcomes (e.g., proportionality vs. constituency link)
•Structure essays with clear thematic paragraphs that address social, psychological, and rational choice factors separately before synthesizing a conclusion
•In source-based questions, interpret statistics or extracts by linking them explicitly to course concepts rather than just describing them
•Use specific examples of constitutional changes since 1997
•Ensure you can cite specific examples of ministerial resignations to illustrate responsibility
•Focus on the 'extent' of influence or power rather than just stating it exists

Specification Topics

4 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the mechanisms of electoral systems used in the UK and their influence on party representation, alongside the sociological, psychological, and rational choice models that explain voting behaviour. Students examine how factors such as class, age, media, and regional context shape electoral outcomes, using recent general elections as case studies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evaluating the health of representative democracy and the effectiveness of political participation.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Government and politics of the UK

The government of the UK covers the foundational structures and processes of the British political system, including the nature of the constitution, the roles of Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the judiciary, and the impact of devolution.

The government of the UK, The politics of the UK

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls2 subtopics

Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics

Comparative politics involves a comparative study of the government and politics of the UK and the USA using three theoretical approaches: structural, rational, and cultural. Students must identify parallels, connections, similarities, and differences between the two political systems across key areas including constitutional arrangements, executives, judiciaries, electoral and party systems, pressure groups, and civil rights.

Comparative politics, Government and politics of the USA

0 objectives10 tips10 pitfalls2 subtopics

Political ideas

Students study one of five optional ideologies: Nationalism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, Anarchism, or Ecologism. The study involves analyzing core concepts, terminology, and the views of key thinkers regarding human nature, the state, society, and the economy for the chosen ideology.

Other ideologies, Core ideologies

0 objectives7 tips7 pitfalls2 subtopics

Ready to master Politics?

Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your AQA A-Level specification.

Get Started Free