Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 2 | 2027 Predicted Paper | Question 2(a) Mark Scheme
Question 2 is a 30-mark non-source essay, worth 10 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3. “Evaluate the view that…” requires students to develop arguments both supporting and challenging the proposition, analyse the relative strength of those arguments, and reach a reasoned judgement. Pearson suggests approximately 45 minutes for the response.
Unlike Question 1, this is not source-based. Students must use their own knowledge, and there is a synoptic requirement to make relevant links to Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas. Pearson states that an answer without any synoptic points cannot reach Level 5, while an answer that does not consider both sides in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.
Levels of response
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Limited knowledge, weak analysis, simplistic evaluation and few or no useful connections between ideas. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some accurate knowledge and emerging analysis, but arguments and judgements are uneven or only partly supported. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate knowledge, generally focused analysis, relevant synoptic material and some substantiated judgements. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge, coherent analysis, effective synoptic connections and mostly substantiated evaluation. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and effectively selected knowledge, perceptive and sustained analysis, effective synoptic links and consistently substantiated judgements leading to a fully focused conclusion. |
Pearson's current guidance confirms these five mark bands and recommends an essential conclusion, with interim or mini-conclusions helping students maximise AO3.
Question 2(a)
Question
Evaluate the view that leaving the European Union has significantly increased the sovereignty of the UK Parliament in relation to policy making.
A strong answer needs to distinguish legal sovereignty from practical or political control over policy. The central debate is not simply whether Brexit changed the UK's relationship with the EU, but whether those changes made Parliament itself significantly more sovereign.
Indicative content
Arguments supporting the view
EU law no longer has the same general supremacy over new UK legislation.
During EU membership, the European Communities Act 1972 provided the domestic legal basis through which EU law took effect.
EU law could take priority over conflicting domestic legislation in areas covered by EU law.
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