Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 3a Comparative Politics, USA | 2026 Predicted Paper | Section A Mark Scheme Question 1(a)
Section A Mark Scheme
For both Section A questions, “Examine” requires students to explain and develop direct comparisons between the USA and UK, rather than make a judgement about which system is better. Each question is worth 12 marks, split equally between AO1 and AO2, and Pearson suggests roughly 15 minutes. There is no AO3, so students do not need an introduction, conclusion or overall judgement. A strong practical structure is three developed, like-for-like comparative paragraphs.
Pearson's 2024 examiner report reinforces this: the strongest answers were explicitly comparative throughout, compared like with like, developed rather than merely asserted their comparisons, and supported them with relevant examples from both countries. It also warns that introductions, conclusions and comparative theories are unnecessary for Question 1.
Levels-based marking
Level | Marks | Typical characteristics |
Level 4 | 10–12 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge of both countries. Consistent, explicit comparison with developed and coherent chains of reasoning. |
Level 3 | 7–9 | Mostly accurate knowledge and generally focused comparison. Comparisons are developed, although some may lack precision or depth. |
Level 2 | 4–6 | Some relevant knowledge, but comparison is uneven or partly descriptive. Connections between the two countries are present but underdeveloped. |
Level 1 | 1–3 | Limited or superficial knowledge, with little meaningful comparative analysis. |
0 | 0 | No rewardable material. |
A response dealing with only the USA or only the UK cannot progress beyond Level 1.
Question 1(a)
Examine the differences between the ways in which the US President and the UK Prime Minister are held accountable by their respective legislatures. (12)
The question requires differences, so similarities would not directly answer it. Students should select comparable mechanisms of legislative accountability and explain how the mechanisms operate differently in the two systems. This is explicitly within Edexcel's comparative specification, which requires comparison of the US President and UK Prime Minister, including their accountability to their respective legislatures.
Indicative content
Indicative content is not exhaustive. Other accurate and relevant comparisons should be rewarded.
Difference 1: confidence compared with impeachment
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