Evaluate the view that partisanship is the main reason why Congress is ineffective in carrying out its functions.

Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 3a USA | 2026 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 3(b)

You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way.

(30 marks)

“Evaluate” requires students to test the stated view against alternative explanations and reach substantiated judgements based on the evidence. This is a 30-mark essay with 10 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3, and Pearson recommends around 45 minutes. An introduction is desirable, a conclusion is essential, and students should develop judgements throughout rather than simply adding an opinion at the end.

The question fits directly within the specification. Students must understand Congress's representative, legislative and oversight functions, the influence of parties and caucuses, constituencies, pressure groups and lobbyists, relations with the presidency, and debates about the changing significance of parties in Congress and the effectiveness of congressional powers.

Levels-based marking

Level	Marks	Indicative characteristics
Level 5	25–30	Thorough and effectively selected knowledge. Sustained chains of reasoning directly focused on the question. Perceptive evaluation that repeatedly weighs partisanship against alternative explanations, leading to substantiated judgements and a focused conclusion.
Level 4	19–24	Accurate and relevant knowledge with consistent analysis. Both sides are addressed and evaluation is generally well supported, although weighing of the competing explanations may not be fully sustained.
Level 3	13–18	Mostly accurate knowledge with some developed analysis. Evaluation is present but may become factor-by-factor rather than directly comparing explanations.
Level 2	7–12	Some relevant knowledge, but the response is substantially descriptive or one-sided. Evaluation is limited or weakly substantiated.
Level 1	1–6	Superficial knowledge with limited analysis and little meaningful evaluation.
0	0	No rewardable material.

Pearson confirms these five mark bands for Paper 3A Section C and states that candidates who do not consider the stated view and its alternative in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.

Indicative content

The indicative material below is not exhaustive. Other accurate examples and well-developed arguments should be rewarded.

Arguments supporting the view

1. Partisanship can produce legislative gridlock

One of Congress's central functions is legislation, but strong party division can make compromise difficult. This is especially important in the Senate because ordinary legislation may face a filibuster and cloture normally requires three-fifths of the Senate, 60 senators, meaning a narrow majority often cannot act alone.

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