Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 2(b) Mark Scheme
Question 2 is a 30-mark non-source essay, worth 10 marks for AO1, 10 for AO2 and 10 for AO3. The command word “Evaluate” requires students to develop arguments both supporting and challenging the stated view, weigh those arguments and reach a reasoned conclusion. Pearson recommends roughly 45 minutes for this question.
Unlike Question 1, students are working from their own knowledge, not a source. There is also an important synoptic requirement: answers must make relevant links to Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas. Pearson states that an answer with no synoptic points cannot reach Level 5. A response which fails to consider both sides in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.
The Supreme Court question draws on judicial review, judicial independence and the Court's influence over Parliament and the executive, while the devolution question draws on the powers and impact of devolved bodies and debates about further reform.
Levels of response
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Superficial knowledge, limited analysis and evaluation, with limited synoptic links. Conclusions are largely unsupported. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some accurate knowledge and analysis. Some relevant evaluation and synoptic links, but arguments and conclusions are only partly supported. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate, appropriately selected knowledge. Mostly focused analysis, generally effective evaluation and relevant synoptic points. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge, coherent analysis, mostly substantiated judgements and focused synoptic connections. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and effectively selected knowledge, perceptive and sustained analysis, consistently substantiated evaluation, convincing synoptic connections and a fully focused conclusion. |
This follows Pearson's Paper 2 Question 2 level descriptors
Question 2(b)
Question
Evaluate the view that devolution has weakened the unity of the United Kingdom.
Students need to examine both the consequences that may place strains on the Union and the argument that devolution can accommodate territorial differences within the UK and thereby support continued union. The question is about the impact of devolution, not simply a description of the powers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Indicative content
Arguments supporting the view
Devolution has created separate centres of political authority.
Legislative and executive powers have been transferred from Westminster to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The settlements are asymmetric, with different powers and institutional arrangements in different parts of the UK.
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