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

Always link theoretical concepts to concrete, contemporary examples to demonstrate application

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

Structure essays with a clear introduction, developed paragraphs, and a reasoned conclusion that directly addresses the question

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

Ensure knowledge of the last three general elections is current and detailed

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

Be prepared to evaluate the democratic legitimacy and mandate provided by parliamentary elections

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

Use appropriate political vocabulary such as mandate, legitimacy, and representative government

What are common mistakes in OCR A-Level Politics?

Confusing descriptive and evaluative writing, leading to imbalanced answers

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

Overgeneralising without specific examples or case studies to substantiate claims

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

Misapplying political theories to inappropriate contexts

Politics

OCR

A-Level

Specification: OCR-A-Level-Politics

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

Topics

Objectives

160

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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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

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing descriptive and evaluative writing, leading to imbalanced answers
•Overgeneralising without specific examples or case studies to substantiate claims
•Misapplying political theories to inappropriate contexts
•Confusing the mechanics of different electoral systems (e.g., mixing up plurality and proportional systems).
•Failing to link electoral systems to the concepts of legitimacy, mandate, and representation.
•Providing generic arguments about democracy without applying them specifically to the UK context.
•Neglecting to address the specific types of elections (European, parliamentary, regional, local) as required by the specification.
•Confusing civil rights (protection from discrimination) with civil liberties (protections from government interference)

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always link theoretical concepts to concrete, contemporary examples to demonstrate application
•Structure essays with a clear introduction, developed paragraphs, and a reasoned conclusion that directly addresses the question
•Ensure knowledge of the last three general elections is current and detailed
•Be prepared to evaluate the democratic legitimacy and mandate provided by parliamentary elections
•Use appropriate political vocabulary such as mandate, legitimacy, and representative government
•Connect the mechanics of elections to broader concepts of democracy and representation
•Be aware of current political developments relating to pressure groups
•Be able to interpret and evaluate data regarding pressure group activity

Specification Topics

7 topics

E2E stub topic

This foundational subtopic introduces the core mechanisms and conceptual frameworks underlying political analysis at an advanced level. Students will explore essential political structures, processes, and theoretical perspectives that form the basis for more specialised study. The content is designed to develop critical thinking and evaluative skills necessary for success in the A-Level Politics qualification.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives2 tips3 pitfalls

AS Unit F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK

This topic covers the mechanics, processes, and democratic significance of UK parliamentary elections, including the calling of elections, candidate selection, campaign strategies, and the analysis of recent general elections and by-elections.

UK parliamentary elections, Pressure groups, Voting behaviour in the UK +2 more

0 objectives19 tips4 pitfalls5 subtopics

AS Unit F852: Contemporary Government of the UK

This topic covers the composition, role, and power of the legislature in the UK, focusing on the functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the role of opposition and backbenchers, party influence, and parliamentary procedures.

The legislature, The constitution, The judiciary +2 more

0 objectives17 tips5 subtopics

A2 Unit F853: Contemporary US Government and Politics

This topic covers the role, functions, and impact of political parties within the United States political system, including their ideology, structure, and influence on the democratic process.

Political parties, Pressure groups, The constitution +5 more

0 objectives30 tips4 pitfalls8 subtopics

A2 Unit F854: Political Ideas and Concepts

This topic explores the theoretical and conceptual foundations of rights, liberty, and equality, examining the relationship between the individual and the state. It covers various interpretations of these concepts, the different forms of rights, and the balance between equality and liberty within society.

Rights, liberty and equality, Democratic theory, The state, nation, sovereignty and globalisation +5 more

0 objectives29 tips16 pitfalls8 subtopics

A2 Unit F855: US Government and Politics

This unit requires candidates to synthesize knowledge of US government and politics, drawing connections between US, UK, and EU political systems. It focuses on the comparative analysis of elections, political parties, pressure groups, civil rights, constitutions, legislatures, executives, and judiciaries.

Political parties and pressure groups, Civil rights and liberties, Constitutions +4 more

0 objectives31 tips16 pitfalls7 subtopics

A2 Unit F856: Political Ideas and Concepts in Practice

This topic focuses on the practical application of political concepts regarding the state, nation, sovereignty, and globalisation within the context of the UK and the European Union. It examines the role of the modern nation-state, the impact of multi-layered governance, and the debate over the location and existence of sovereignty.

The state, nation, sovereignty and globalisation in practice, Power, authority and legitimacy in practice, Rights, liberty and equality in practice +5 more

0 objectives32 tips20 pitfalls8 subtopics

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