Evaluate the view that the use of referendums since 1997 has had a positive impact on UK political life.
Updated: Oct 7
Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 1 | 2027 Predicted Paper | Question 2(b) Mark Scheme
Questions 2(a) and 2(b) are 30-mark non-source essays. The command “Evaluate the view that…” requires students to test the stated view against the alternative, analyse the relative strength of the competing arguments and reach a reasoned conclusion. Pearson allocates 10 marks each to AO1, AO2 and AO3, with approximately 45 minutes suggested for the question.
Pearson's guidance makes clear that knowledge should underpin analysis and evaluation, students should develop arguments both supporting and challenging the view, and judgement should be developed throughout rather than left entirely to the conclusion. A response which does not consider both views in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.
Level | Marks | Indicative characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Limited and often generalised knowledge. Little developed analysis and weak or unsupported judgement. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some relevant knowledge and some consideration of both sides, but analysis and evaluation are uneven or underdeveloped. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate knowledge, generally relevant analysis and some supported judgements, although evaluation may not be sustained. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate, well-selected knowledge, clear connections between arguments and mostly effective evaluation leading towards a supported conclusion. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and precise knowledge, sustained analysis of competing arguments and well-substantiated judgements throughout, leading to a focused conclusion. |
Question 2(b)
Evaluate the view that the use of referendums since 1997 has had a positive impact on UK political life. (30 marks)
Students need to evaluate the impact of referendums, not simply narrate what happened in a series of referendum campaigns. Strong responses should organise the debate around themes such as participation, legitimacy, settlement of political issues and the relationship between direct and representative democracy.
Specification point 3.2 requires students to study how referendums have been used since 1997, their impact on UK political life and the arguments for and against referendums within a representative democracy.
Indicative content
Arguments that referendums have had positive effects
Referendums can increase direct political participation by allowing voters themselves to decide major issues rather than leaving the decision entirely to elected representatives.
They can provide considerable legitimacy for major constitutional decisions. The 2014 Scottish independence referendum produced turnout of 84.6%, with 55.3% voting No and 44.7% Yes. This exceptionally high level of participation can be used to support the argument that referendums engage voters with major constitutional questions.
The 2016 EU referendum also attracted high participation by recent UK standards. Turnout was 72.2%, with Leave receiving 51.9% and Remain 48.1%.
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