Edexcel A-Level Politics | Component 3A: USA | 2027 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 3(a)
Evaluate the view that the process for amending the US Constitution is too difficult.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way.
(30 marks)
“Evaluate” requires students to analyse arguments supporting and challenging the stated view, then reach a substantiated judgement based on the evidence. This is a 30-mark question worth 10 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3, with approximately 45 minutes recommended. Pearson states that an introduction is desirable, a conclusion is essential, and judgement should be developed throughout rather than added only at the end.
This question is directly within specification point 1.1, which requires knowledge of the US Constitution's nature, codification and entrenchment, including the advantages and disadvantages of the formal amendment process.
Levels-based marking
Level | Marks | Indicative characteristics |
Level 5 | 25-30 | Thorough and effectively selected knowledge of Article V and relevant amendments. Sustained analysis of why the process may or may not be excessively difficult. Perceptive evaluation, with the competing arguments directly weighed and a substantiated conclusion. |
Level 4 | 19-24 | Accurate and relevant knowledge with consistent chains of reasoning. Both views are considered and evaluation is mostly substantiated, although weighing may be uneven. |
Level 3 | 13-18 | Mostly accurate knowledge and some developed analysis. Evaluation is present but may become a sequence of advantages and disadvantages rather than sustained assessment of whether the process is too difficult. |
Level 2 | 7-12 | Some relevant knowledge, but the response is largely descriptive or substantially one-sided. Judgements are limited or weakly supported. |
Level 1 | 1-6 | Limited knowledge, little developed analysis and superficial evaluation. |
0 | 0 | No rewardable material. |
Pearson states that candidates who do not consider both the stated view and its alternative in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.
Indicative content
The material below is indicative rather than exhaustive. Other accurate examples and arguments within the specification should be rewarded.
Arguments supporting the view that the process is too difficult
The proposal threshold is extremely demanding
Article V provides two routes for proposing an amendment. Congress can propose one only with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, or two-thirds of state legislatures can require Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments. The convention route has never been used.
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