mypoliticsnotes

                                             9 markers 

The structure will always remain the same for each question, and therefore you will need a point of one way the question can be answered, each point needs to be distinct, you need a good explanation of this with an EXAMPLE and finally evaluation of what this shows for example, is it an advantage, and what is it's impact. See below for example full mark answers. REMEMBER : the examiner will only mark your first 3 paragraphs, so make each new point a paragraph, ending up with 3 distinct paragraphs. 

For the AQA spec, in paper 2 you will be required to answer one 9 marker on comparitive theories ie a rational, structural or cultural question. For these questions you need to have an understanding of what these specifically mean. Here's a broken down explanation : 

Rational - This approach is the more tricky and is referring to why individuals act in the way they do. For example individuals can often act in a self serving way to secure their own goals, ie Kamilla Harriss dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Biden, possibly in the hope to achieve the position of VP. By acting rationally individuals judge how best to realise and achieve their own goals, and therefore their actions are guided by their own interests rather than the interests of groups, beleifs or structures. Another example is both congressmen and MP's will have certain limitations on their actions imposed by their rational interests particularly mainntaining their own power. 

Structural - The structural approach suggests that political decisions and processes are largely controlled by the structure and rules of that particular political system. This approach involves understanding the main constitutional roles, powers and limits of a political process or institution ie checks on the executive in the form of impeachment vs a vote of confidence. 

Cultural - This approach focuses on groups, beliefs and values and suggests people operate the way they do because of the culture, shared identity and beleifs and values of the groups theyre in. It focuses on cultural norms and the influence of these expectations. Examples may include influence of groups, political parties, pressure groups, factions or groups of voters.