AQA A-level Politics
Chapter 5 Devolution
Paper 1 Section A style questions
1 One paragraph could focus on how devolution can be seen to strengthen the unity of the UK and
reduce the demands for full independence (AO1). Analysis (AO2) for this point could comment and
speculate on the result of the vote on Scottish independence and whether the existence of devolution
made Scottish voters more or less inclined to favour independence.
A second paragraph could explain how it allows policy to be made more locally/in tune with local needs
or views and you could offer a couple of examples, such as a different top rate of income tax in Scotland
(AO1). Analysis (AO2) could examine how this helps reflect different political outlooks (more left-wing in
Scotland) but that it also leads to unevenness across the UK, which is often seen as unfair, especially for
England, e.g. university tuition fees and prescription charges.
A final paragraph could note how it reduces centralisation of power at Westminster, giving an example or
two such as management of Covid-19 or environmental policy (AO1). By way of analysis (AO2) you could
mention how Westminster still maintains control over key policy areas, such as post-Brexit negotiations
and national security.
2 There are several laws to select from for Scotland and Wales, but ensure you do not mention the
original Acts that set up the bodies. These were passed in 1998 and the question refers explicitly to
those passed since.
Examples that could be relevantly quoted for AO1 include: the Wales Acts 2014 and 2017, and the Scotland
Acts 2012 and 2016. Ensure you describe the key terms, and their significance for each of the Acts you
select. Explain what key powers were transferred away from London for each Act. For AO2, comment on
the significance, for example how the Wales Act 2017 recognised the permanence of the National Assembly
and changed the model of devolution to a reserved powers model.
3 One paragraph could focus on the reduced power Westminster now has over domestic policy outside
England, giving a couple of examples such as public health and speed limits on roads (AO1). For analysis
(AO20, it could be examined both what powers still remain with Westminster but also how devolution
has led to a variation in laws and policies across the UK such as with charges for hospital parking and
alcohol pricing.
A second paragraph could explain how it has also led to the use of a wider range of electoral systems,
namely additional member system (AMS) and single transferable vote (STV) (AO1). Analysis (AO2) could
mention how this has meant single-party government is therefore very rare in the regional assemblies and
coalition administrations are the norm. Of course, power-sharing is mandated in the legislation for
Northern Ireland, irrespective of the election results.
A final paragraph could note how it has also raised the matter of an English parliament, as devolution in
the UK is currently asymmetrical (AO1). You could then examine this point (AO2) by arguing that while it
would give parity to England, there are problems associated with it, not least the lack of a clear English
identity and the additional costs, as well as the apparent lack of public support.
Paper 1 Section B style questions
4 Comment on provenance first. It is a neutral academic source, produced after devolution has been in
place for nearly 20 years, so is well informed and balanced, and is also post-Brexit, which also raised
further issues concerning devolution. Then summarise the key points on each side of the debate over
an English parliament. The main arguments put forward in favour are that it would ‘level up’ devolution
across the UK and increase a sense of English identity. The main arguments against an English
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AQA A-level Politics
parliament are that an English parliament would overshadow the other devolved bodies and the lack of
widespread popular support.
Conclude the introduction with your own thoughts on which argument is stronger.
In the subsequent paragraphs, analyse and evaluate (AO2 and AO3) each of the four main arguments in
turn.
o An English parliament ‘levelling up’ devolution across the UK and completing ‘unfinished business’ is
a compelling argument at first glance. In most countries that adopt devolution or federalism, it
applies equally across the entire country. Yet this is manifestly not true in the UK. But it could be
noted that the regions all have strong identities and that Northern Ireland had a devolved assembly
until the advent of ‘the Troubles’. Also, Scotland has long possessed its own legal and education
system, while the Welsh language adds a strong cultural identity to that particular region.
o The point that it would increase a sense of English identity again has some strengths as an
argument, but the extract provides no hard evidence for this claim, and in reality it could be
effectively pointed out that regional identities, especially in areas such as Cornwall or the North
East, are more powerful.
o The overshadowing of other regional assemblies is a strong argument. England both in terms of
population and the size of its economy is far larger than the other parts of the UK. A comparison
could be drawn with Russia and its dominance in the former USSR.
o The point dealing with a lack of widespread popular support is perhaps the most convincing of all,
not least because it is backed up by statistical evidence from opinion polls, although these are not
necessarily 100% accurate. It is true, using wider knowledge (e.g. referendum on an assembly for
the North East), that there is no evidence of wider pressure for an English parliament especially
given the time and cost involved. One counterpoint that could usefully be made though, is how
public enthusiasm for devolution in Wales was limited at the start, but since seeing it in action
support for devolution has substantially increased, as shown by comparing the referendum results
from 1997 with those from 2011.
Make sure in each paragraph as you evaluate the arguments that you make substantiated judgements
about which side of the argument you consider to be the stronger. Provide examples and evidence from
outside the extract to support your judgements throughout. There is no single ‘right answer’ as to which
side is more convincing, but arguably those against an English parliament are stronger, not least since the
lack of popular support is perhaps key in any democracy.
Paper 1 Section C style questions
5 This question requires you to compare and contrast devolution across all three regions.
In your introduction, you should briefly explain the background and context and how devolution has been
in place since 1997 in the three regions.
You should argue a case for each region in separate paragraphs, identifying key arguments for and against
for each one. Relevant points could include:
o Northern Ireland: it could be seen as a success since it has aided the peace process and an end to
the Troubles. It has also put power-sharing on a permanent footing. But conversely, you can
comment on the limitations, e.g. suspension of the assembly in Northern Ireland from 2017 to
2020. The temporary resumption of direct rule highlighted some of the problems in sustaining this
momentum. It should also be noted that Northern Ireland has fewer devolved powers than the
other regions, especially in the area of taxation.
o Wales: it could be seen as a success since it has bolstered general enthusiasm for devolution, which
can be seen through the difference in the two referendum results. You could also note the ongoing
transfer of powers. Conversely, you could note the difference in policies between Wales (and also
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AQA A-level Politics
Scotland) and England in areas including prescription charges and university tuition fees. Arguably
this has led to inequality within the UK — which is not so successful from an English perspective.
o Scotland: could be seen as a success since it has, arguably, saved the Union. You could mention the
result of the independence referendum outcome. Yet conversely, some could argue that given the
closeness of the result, it has been a nationalist success, as Scottish citizens have seen the benefit of
managing more of their own affairs. You could also mention the increasing remit of powers for the
Scottish Parliament.
o There could be a brief section on England, if only to remark that attempts at any proper devolution
in England have been remarkably unsuccessful.
In your conclusion, comment that much depends on how one defines success, e.g. in Scotland, the SNP
would have different criteria than Scottish Conservatives. Ensure you do not fall into the trap of evaluating
devolution as a whole or the arguments for and against it.
6 This answer requires a balanced approach and you must consider both the unitary and federal aspects
of the UK state.
In your introduction, briefly comment on the background, that historically the UK has been a unitary state,
unlike the USA with its embedded federal structure. Essentially, the term quasi-federal should be your
linchpin.
Points in favour could include the following:
o Key areas such as transport, education and income tax are wholly or partly under the control of
devolved governments, e.g. the M4 relief road.
o The amount of powers transferred has grown over time — quote some examples here.
o The UK state structure is much less unitary than it has been traditionally.
Points against could include the following:
o England has no devolved assembly so the UK as a whole cannot properly be described as federal.
This is probably the strongest argument.
o There are uneven powers allotted to the devolved governments, especially in Northern Ireland. The
imposition of same-sex marriage and abortion on Northern Ireland by Westminster when the
assembly was suspended is evidence of the conditional nature of devolved assemblies’ powers, at
least in this instance.
o Devolution is not the same constitutionally as federalism. Parliamentary sovereignty remains intact.
The laws concerning devolution could, in theory at least, be overturned.
In your conclusion, you should reject the notion of the UK’s complete transformation into a federal state,
but perhaps suggest that considerable progress has been made towards a more federal structure.
7 Again, this essay requires a balanced approach, and you should analyse and evaluate arguments on
both sides of the debate over the creation of an English parliament.
In your introduction, briefly note the context of how devolution elsewhere in the UK has opened up this
debate. Identify the key points on both sides and reach a provisional judgement. The key thing to note is
the word ‘overwhelming’. Even though there are some strong arguments in support of an English
parliament, ‘overwhelming’ is probably putting it too strongly?
Points in favour could include the following:
o It would give England parity with the rest of the UK.
o Devolution on the whole has worked elsewhere in the UK.
o It would resolve the West Lothian Question, and remove the somewhat convoluted process of
English votes for English laws (EVEL).
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AQA A-level Politics
o It provides the opportunity to transfer some of the focus for politics and government away from
London.
Points against could include the following:
o There is lack of popular support and enthusiasm. However, you could counter this by commenting
how Wales was initially unenthusiastic about devolution but is now much more positive.
o There is a preference (and again without much enthusiasm) for regional assemblies instead.
o The costs and the administrative work involved are prohibitive.
o A coherent English identity is absent.
o An English parliament would cover a far larger population and economic base than the other
regional assemblies.
In your conclusion, it might be sensible, as mentioned in the introduction, to dismiss the notion of
‘overwhelming’, and comment how arguably ‘underwhelming’ might be a better term to use. While there
are some valid points in favour, there are several powerful arguments against such an institution. You can,
of course conclude, differently, but ensure that you evaluate a range of points and support them with
examples and evidence.
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