Below is an overview of how AQA and Pearson Edexcel approach US-UK comparative politics in their A-Level Politics specifications.
The two specifications may be found Edexcel (here) and AQA (here)
Example comparative questions – EDEXCEL
Example comparative questions – AQA
1. Structure of the Courses & Options
| Feature | AQA (Specification 7152) | Pearson Edexcel (Specification 9PL0) |
| Comparative Module | Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics | Paper 3 (Option 3A): Comparative Politics – Government and Politics of the USA |
| Is it Mandatory? | Yes. Every AQA Politics student must study US & UK comparative politics for Paper 2. | Optional. Schools choose between 3A (USA) or 3B (Global Politics). |
2. Comparative Theoretical Lenses
Both exam boards expect students to use three theoretical approaches when explaining why similarities or differences exist between political systems:
- Structural Approach: Explains outcomes through institutions, formal rules, and constitutions (e.g., codified vs. uncodified constitutions, separation of powers vs. fusion of powers).
- Rational Choice Approach: Explains outcomes through the self-interested choices and incentives of political actors (e.g., individual politicians, voters, or campaign donors).
- Cultural Approach: Explains outcomes through shared history, traditions, ideological values, and national identity (e.g., US individualism vs. UK parliamentary traditions).
3. Exam Assessment Approaches & Question Formats
AQA Assessment Style
- Explicit Comparative Sections: In Paper 2, questions are specifically broken down into US politics and US-UK comparisons.
- 12-Mark Short Comparison Questions: Require direct comparative analysis of the UK and US (comparing specific areas like executive power, legislative oversight, or pressure groups) without needing full theoretical framework evaluation.
- Longer Essays (9 & 25 Marks): Test detailed knowledge of US governance alongside thematic comparisons with the UK.
- Weighting: The comparative paper makes up 33.3% of the total A-Level.
Pearson Edexcel Assessment Style
Paper 3 makes up 33.3% of the total A-Level, covering both standalone US government content and integrated comparative elements.
While the 30-mark “Evaluate” essays generally focus on evaluating a specific aspect of the US political system in depth (e.g., evaluating the effectiveness of the Electoral College or campaign finance), the short-answer component consists of two distinct 12-mark questions:
Detailed Breakdown: Section A vs. Section B 12-Mark Questions
In both Section A and Section B, the 12-mark questions test AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding) and AO2 (Analysis), split evenly (6 marks each). Neither question tests AO3, meaning you do not need an introduction, a conclusion, or evaluative judgements.
However, their purpose, phrasing, and requirement for Comparative Theory differ significantly:
| Feature | Section A (12 Marks) | Section B (12 Marks) |
| Command Word | Examine… | Analyse… |
| Question Choice | Choice of 1 out of 2 questions | 1 Compulsory question (No choice) |
| Comparative Theories Required? | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. (Mandatory) |
| Core Focus | Comparing specific political features/practices directly between the US and UK. | Explaining why similarities or differences exist using comparative theory. |
Section A: The “Examine” Question
- Nature of Question: Asks you to examine the similarities or differences between a specific aspect of US and UK politics (e.g., “Examine the similarities between the powers of the US President and the UK Prime Minister”).
- What is required: Point-by-point comparative analysis between the US and UK in every paragraph, using detailed knowledge (AO1) and analytical explanation (AO2) of how these features operate.
- What is NOT required: You do not need to explicitly name or apply comparative theories, nor do you make evaluative judgements.
Section B: The “Analyse” Question (Theoretical Focus)
- Nature of Question: Asks you to analyse similarities or differences using comparative theories (e.g., “Analyse the differences between US and UK legislative oversight using structural theory”).
- What is required: You must explicitly integrate comparative theory into your comparative analysis. You can focus on one theory or integrate multiple (Structural, Rational, Cultural) as appropriate to answer the prompt.
- Theoretical Application:
- Structural Theory: Explains outcomes through institutions, constitutional rules, and processes (e.g., codified separation of powers vs. fused powers).
- Rational Choice Theory: Explains outcomes through the self-interest and personal incentives of individual actors (e.g., US members of Congress focusing on re-election in primary-heavy districts vs. UK MPs adhering to party whips).
- Cultural Theory: Explains outcomes through shared traditions, political heritage, and societal beliefs (e.g., US hyper-individualism vs. UK collective traditions).
4. Key Topic Areas Compared
Across both specifications, comparative study revolves around key themes:
- Constitutions & Federalism vs. Devolution: Comparing the codified US Constitution and state federalism against the UK’s uncodified constitution and devolved assemblies.
- Legislatures: US Congress (symmetric bicameralism, strict separation of powers) vs. UK Parliament (asymmetric bicameralism, fusion of powers).
- Executives: President (Head of State and Government) vs. Prime Minister (Head of Government operating within a constitutional monarchy).
- Judiciaries & Civil Rights: US Supreme Court (judicial review, constitutional entrenchment, Bill of Rights) vs. UK Supreme Court (parliamentary sovereignty, Human Rights Act declarations of incompatibility).
- Participation & Democracy: Elections, two-party dominance, third parties, and the role of pressure groups/campaign finance in both nations.