SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

FK85 34

Politics A: An Introduction to Political Theories of the State

Poster Presentation Exemplar

RationaleRationale

Example of diverse assessment

Feedback to SQA– EV reports– Centres

Secure Site ContentSecure Site Content

There are six parts to this Politics exemplar:

– Overview document– Instruments of Assessment (prior verified by SQA)– Poster 1 (accompanies audio file)

• Presentation audio file• Presentation notes

– Poster 2 (fully elaborated)

Process of AssessmentProcess of Assessment

Candidates given assessment question and general guidelines

Scope of poster content was left flexible

3 parts to submit – poster, audio/video, notes

Exemplar Poster 1Exemplar Poster 1

Example of a decent pass

The candidate chose to focus on the political concepts in the poster

Between poster and audio all Evidence Requirements met.

Plato & LockeDemocracy &

Representation

Democracy - Rule by the people.Political participation by society’s members is allowed through membership of political institution or even just elections . People contribute to decision making so more likely to accept the decisions.

PLATO

John LockeRepresentation – simply someone speaking or standing on behalf of another(s). This means putting someone’s opinion forward or looking out for them. This is how people can participate in daily politics in large societies.Goes hand in hand with idea of democracy as people have a say through elected representatives.

Plato & Concepts Locke & Concepts

Types of DemocracyDirect (e.g. Athens/Referendums) - all citizens involved in decisions (people are the State)Representative – People choose others to represent them, make decisions on their behalf.

Justification - allows people to contribute and take part in decisions affecting their life. This makes the political system more legitimate as people have a voice. It means a Tyranny cannot control politics and the people can take power back if an elite gained control.

Criticism – Tyranny of the majority, they decide over minority voice. Possible for a minority to have power due to the electoral systems used (e.g. FPTP). allowing all to contribute does not guarantee good decisions (people need to be fully informed)

The role of the representative can be debated. Should they voice the views of their voters, act based on what they think their voters want, or act based on what they think is best for their voters.

Justification – essential as without it on consideration needs to be given to thsoe affected. Power can be withdrawn if representation is not being carried out. If done properly even minority views are heard

Criticism – almost impossible to have for all as there is always a range of views for politicians to cover (esp Tow the Party Line). Minority views often excluded and ‘catch all’ parties aim for popularity over good decisions.

References•Axford. A (1997) Politics: An Introduction, Bath, Routledge•Budge. I (2007) The New British Politics, 4th Edition, Essex, Pearson Longman•Coxall. B (2003) Contemporary British Politics, 4th Edition, Londond, Palgrave MacMillan•Democracy Building, Definition of Democracy, [Online] http://www.democracy-building.info/definition-democracy.html (26/04/2014)•Heywood. A (2004) Political Theory: An Introduction, 3rd Edition, Hampshire, Palgrave MacMillan•HistoryLearningSite (2014) Democracy, [Online] http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/democracy.htm •HistoryLearningSite (2014) Representative Democracy, [Online] http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/representative_democracy.htm (15/05/2014)•OxfordDictionaries, Democracy, [Online] http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/democracy (20/05/2014)

Poster 2Poster 2

This was the student’s first draft– ‘belt and braces’

Gives a brief overview of all areas and audio presentation adds to these

Reference section provided as an additional to the poster

Goes hand in hand with idea of democracy as people have a say through elected representatives.

The role of the representative can be debated. Should they voice the views of voters, act based on what they think their voters want, or act based on what they think is best for their voters.

Democracy - Rule by the people.Political participation by society’s members is allowed through membership of political institution or even just elections . People contribute to decision making so more likely to accept the decisions.

Justification - allows people to contribute and take part in decisions affecting their life. This makes the political system more legitimate as people have a voice. It means a Tyranny cannot control politics and the people can take power back if an elite gained control.

Criticism – Tyranny of the majority, they decide over minority voice. Possible for a minority to have power due to the electoral systems used (e.g. FPTP). allowing all to contribute does not guarantee good decisions (people need to be fully informed)

Representation – simply someone speaking or standing on behalf of another(s). This means putting someone’s opinion forward or looking out for them. This is how people can participate in daily politics in large societies.

PLATO Plato’s Republic is an attempt to explain the idea of Justice, using a society to explain the human soul. Basis is on wisdom as a skill only some have can possess. Divided Line & Cave Allegory.

Locke Believes men are moral & good. Can work harmoniously & Co-operate. God created all men equal & with ability to reason. Natural Laws (Life, Liberty & Property), God given no man has right to take away.In a State of Nature these are not protected & people are not treated equally (allies show preferences).

Plato Opposed Democracy likened it to a “ship of fools”, (people without skill make bad decisions = failure). Masses not intelligent enough to be objective (personal interest)

Plato’s Republic doesn’t take account of individual opinions or desires. Not representation as we know today but what is best for everyone is included.

Locke’s State is Representative Democracy , people participate in the system, can stand and choose who to rule. Did acknowledge others systems can work as long as the natural laws are protected

Crucial to Locke, State represents its citiizens and protect each from too much State involvement and from encroaching on each others Liberties. Is still Rule by the Majority in Decision Making

Types of DemocracyDirect (e.g. Athens/Referendums) - all citizens involved in decisions (people are the State)Representative – People choose others to represent them, make decisions on their behalf.

Justification – essential as without it on consideration needs to be given to those affected. Power can be withdrawn if representation is not being carried out. If done properly even minority views are heard

Criticism – almost impossible to have for all as there is always a range of views for politicians to cover (esp. Tow the Party Line). Minority views often excluded and ‘catch all’ parties aim for popularity over good decisions.

Republic – ruled by Philosophers. Only ones who can make objective decisions. All groups in society work towards their skills then society works. People are allocated a role which they accept due to the Noble Lie.

Philosopher Kings (Gold) – Wisdom to act on the citizens behalfAuxiliaries (Silver) – Soldier/Law enforcers (Virtue/Courage)Workers (Bronze) – carrying out all the day to day work of society.PK make all political decisions, recruit next rulers & censor education. No personal freedoms, family, property, etc. People have no political power but have freedom to live how they wish as long as it doesn’t harm Republic

Social ContractUnwritten rules citizens agree to, in return 3 rights protected. Limitations to other Liberties is accepted as its in their interests to let State Govern to protect these.

State’s role is to protect the citizen’s liberties (conflict resolution). Sets the rules of acceptable behaviour. Power can be removed if it stops performing its role (separation of powers, checks and balances. Everyone has right to be involved in politics (Representation best system). People must remove State that fails it role.

Positives of Poster PresentationPositives of Poster Presentation

Developing Student confidence

CfE – skills development (choice, ICT, etc)

Easier to check understanding

Cuts loss of class time for presentations