2025 exam paper

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way an MSP represents their constituents is by introducing a members' bill. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way an MSP represents their constituents is by introducing a members' bill. This is a non-governmental bill put forward by an MSP on an issue that they believe is important. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way an MSP represents their constituents is by introducing a members' bill. This is a non-governmental bill put forward by an MSP on an issue that they believe is important. For example, MSP Monica Lennon introduced the Period Products (Free Provision) bill in 2019 to tackle the issue of period poverty. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. voting on new laws or amendments
2. FMQTs
3. work of committees
4. taking part in debates.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One reason why the First Minister is powerful is because they can hire and fire ministers to the government. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One reason why the First Minister is powerful is because they can hire and fire ministers to the government. These ministers form the cabinet and help the First Minister run the country on a day-to-day basis. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One reason why the First Minister is powerful is because they can hire and fire ministers to the government. These ministers form the cabinet and help the First Minister run the country on a day-to-day basis. This makes them powerful as they are able to use this power to surround themselves with ministers who will support their ideas. (3 marks — accurate point with development and analysis)
4. One reason why the First Minister is powerful is because they can hire and fire ministers to the government. These ministers form the cabinet and help the First Minister run the country on a day-to-day basis. This makes them powerful as they are able to use this power to surround themselves with ministers who will support their ideas. For example, Humza Yousaf appointed Neil Gray as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care after the previous minister resigned. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. attends international meetings
2. privy council member
3. leader of the biggest party in the Scottish Parliament
4. public policy direction.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One advantage of the Additional Member System is that it provides more choice to voters. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One advantage of the Additional Member System is that it provides more choice to voters. This is because voters are given two votes, one for a candidate and one for a party. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One advantage of the Additional Member System is that it provides more choice to voters. This is because voters are given two votes, one for a candidate and one for a party. For example, in 2021 Nicola Sturgeon was elected to the Glasgow Southside constituency alongside seven regional Glasgow MSPs from different political parties. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One disadvantage of the Additional Member System is that it creates two types of MSPs which can cause confusion for some voters. This is because after the election some voters do not know who to go to with an issue or problem, as they have a total of eight MSPs representing them. As a result, this often means that the more widely recognised MSP, which is normally the constituency representative, tends to have a heavier workload than the regional MSPs that constituents are less familiar with. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Advantages
2. retains constituency/MSP link
3. proportional results
4. fairer on smaller parties.
5. Disadvantages
6. coalitions more likely
7. minority governments can occur
8. more complex than other systems.

Option 1: Ban MPs from having second jobs

1. I recommend Option 1 because in Source 1 it says that 'MPs currently receive a basic annual salary of £91,346. The average salary in the UK is less than half of this.' (1 mark — evidence drawn from Source 1)
2. I recommend Option 1 because in Source 1 it says that 'MPs currently receive a basic annual salary of £91,346. The average salary in the UK is less than half of this.' This can be linked to Source 3 where Kiera says that 'Being an MP is a well-paid job and so there should not be a need for them to top-up their income with a second job.' (2 marks — two pieces of evidence drawn from Sources 1 and 3)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. 'There is no limit in terms of the time MPs can spend on any second job.' (Source 1) which links with Source 3, 'As there are no restrictions on the time MPs can spend on second jobs, it can often take them away from their parliamentary work and representing their constituents effectively.'
2. 'There was controversy in 2021 when one MP had to resign for breaking the MPs' code of conduct after lobbying government departments to benefit the private company he was working for.' (Source 1) which links with Source 3, 'Some MPs act as consultants to businesses that are looking to gain government support — MPs should not be giving political advice to private companies or using their position to gain influence for big businesses and therefore breaching the standards expected of elected representatives.'

Reasons for rejecting the other option:

1. I could have picked Option 2 because in Source 3 Zac says, 'It is clear that MPs don't earn a lot of money from their second jobs.' However, this is wrong as in Source 1 it states that 'some MPs have received millions of pounds through second jobs and have become very wealthy as a result.' (2 marks — evidence linked from Sources 3 and 1)

Option 2: Do not ban MPs from having second jobs

1. I recommend Option 2 because in Source 1 it says that 'Recent polls suggest there is public support for MPs having a second job although this is dependent on what that job is.' (1 mark — evidence drawn from Source 1)
2. I recommend Option 2 because in Source 1 it says that 'Recent polls suggest there is public support for MPs having a second job although this is dependent on what that job is.' This links to Source 2 which shows that 54% of the public approve of MPs being NHS doctors and 50% approve of them being army reservists. (2 marks — two pieces of evidence drawn from Sources 1 and 2)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. 'Traditionally, MPs having second jobs helped ensure that Parliament was filled with experienced professionals, from a range of diverse industries and backgrounds thus bringing a greater wealth of experience, expertise and insight into the House of Commons.' (Source 1) which links with Source 3 – 'Allowing MPs to have second jobs also brings a greater diversity of people to the House of Commons and is an important way for MPs to gain experience of working life outside politics, which can only be of benefit to their constituents'
2. Source 1 says that 'Second jobs gives MPs job security should they be defeated at the next election.' which links with Source 3 which says 'We also have to be fair to our MPs as not being allowed a second job may make them unemployed if they no longer remain an MP.'

Reasons for rejecting the other option:

1. I could have picked Option 1 because in Source 3 Kiera says, 'the majority of the general public in every nation of the UK support a ban on second jobs.' However, she is wrong as Source 2 shows that the majority of the general public in England do not support a ban on second jobs. (2 marks — evidence linked from Sources 1 and 3)

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. These are ideas for new laws which a small number of MPs each session get to introduce. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way in which MPs represent their constituents in the UK Parliament is by putting forward Private Members' Bills. These are ideas for new laws which a small number of MPs each session get to introduce. For example, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald introduced a Private Members' Bill to ban unpaid work trials after a local constituent brought it to his attention. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. taking part in debates
2. PMQTs
3. voting on new laws
4. select committee membership.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with them or use it as a way of holding ministers to account. (3 marks — accurate point with development and analysis)
4. The Prime Minister is very powerful because they have the power of patronage. This means they can hire and fire individuals to help them run the country. This makes them powerful as they can surround themselves with people who agree with them or use it as a way of holding ministers to account. For example, Rishi Sunak sacked Suella Braverman after she spoke out publicly in the press about police bias. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. attend international meetings such as NATO summits
2. meeting with international leaders and Heads of State
3. formulate government policy
4. leader of the largest political party in parliament
5. executive authority of the armed forces.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. This is because the candidate with most votes wins the constituency election. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One advantage of First Past the Post is that it is easily understood. This is because the candidate with most votes wins the constituency election. For example, in 2024 Gordon McKee (MP) won the constituency of Glasgow South as he secured 4,154 more votes than the next most popular candidate. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One disadvantage of First Past the Post is that it is not proportional. This is because the percentage of votes does not equal the percentage of seats that a party secures. For example, in 2024 the Labour Party secured 33.7% of the votes but were awarded around 64% of the seats. This occurred because the party was able to win 411 constituencies across the UK. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Advantages
2. results known quickly
3. straightforward system for voters to use
4. normally results in stable governments being formed
5. reduces likelihood of extremist parties gaining power
6. maintains a strong MP/constituency link.
7. Disadvantages
8. limited choice
9. puts small parties off standing
10. safe seats — voters have less influence on outcome
11. tactical voting is an issue
12. public support for FPTP decreasing.

PROGRESS TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

1. Conclusion — Women have made some progress in achieving gender equality in the House of Commons. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — Women have made some progress in achieving gender equality in the House of Commons. Evidence — Source 1 states 'In the 2021 federal election, of the 338 members elected, 103 were women. Of those, 22 were elected for the first time. This represents an increase of five seats over the previous record of 98 women who were elected in 2019.' This links to Source 2 which highlights that between 2006 and 2021 the percentage of female representation rose by over 10%. (2 marks — valid conclusion with evidence)
3. Conclusion — Women have made some progress in achieving gender equality in the House of Commons. Evidence — Source 1 states 'In the 2021 federal election, of the 338 members elected, 103 were women. Of those, 22 were elected for the first time. This represents an increase of five seats over the previous record of 98 women who were elected in 2019.' This is linked to Source 2 which highlights that between 2006 and 2021 the percentage of female representation rose by over 10%. This has only taken the representation to just over 30% in 15 years so suggests that they still have some way to go to achieve gender equality. (3 marks — valid conclusion with evidence and evaluative terminology)

FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES

1. Conclusion — Canada has fewer women represented in Parliament compared to other countries. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — Canada has fewer women represented in Parliament compared to other countries. Evidence — Source 1 states 'In terms of female representation in Parliament, Canada ranks 66th in the world.' This links to Source 3 which shows that Cuba and the UAE, at rankings two and five, are ranked far higher than Canada. (2 marks — valid conclusion with evidence)
3. Conclusion — Canada has fewer women represented in Parliament compared to other countries. Evidence — Source 1 states 'In terms of female representation in Parliament, Canada ranks 66th in the world.' This links to Source 3 which shows that Cuba and the UAE, at rankings two and five, are ranked far higher than Canada. Furthermore, the table highlights that Canada is only ranked above two of the other selected countries, Estonia and Malta. (3 marks — valid conclusion with evidence and evaluative terminology)

OPINIONS ON MEASURES TO INCREASE FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

1. Conclusion — There is widespread support for the introduction of measures to increase female representation in the House of Commons. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — There is widespread support for the introduction of measures to increase female representation in the House of Commons. Evidence — Source 1 highlights that 'Some Canadian political parties have pledged to include more female representation in government by introducing certain measures to increase both participation and representation. These measures have included all-woman shortlists, gender quotas and woman-only seats.' This is linked to Source 2 which highlights that 60% of the public either agree or strongly agree with the introduction of measures to improve female representation in the House of Commons. (2 marks conclusion — valid conclusion with evidence)
3. Conclusion — There is widespread support for the introduction of measures to increase female representation in the House of Commons. Evidence — Source 1 highlights that 'Some Canadian political parties have pledged to include more female representation in government by introducing certain measures to increase both participation and representation. These measures have included all-woman shortlists, gender quotas and woman-only seats.' This is linked to Source 2 which highlights that 60%, a clear majority, of the public either agree or strongly agree with the introduction of measures to improve female representation in the House of Commons. (3 marks — valid conclusion with evidence and evaluative terminology)

FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURES

1. Conclusion — Gender inequality still exists in most provincial and territorial legislatures. (1 mark — valid conclusion)
2. Conclusion — Gender inequality still exists in most provincial and territorial legislatures. Evidence — Source 1 states 'Provincial and territorial legislatures in Canada face similar issues in achieving gender equality between men and women. By the end of 2024, women represented 35.3% (273 out of 772) of all provincial and territorial legislators across Canada as a whole.' This is linked to Source 3 which highlights that of the seven provinces/territories shown, only one has achieved gender equality between males and females — Northwest Territories. The other six have less than 50% females with two having significantly low numbers of women — Newfoundland having less than 1/4 women and Alberta less than 1/3. (3 marks — valid conclusion with evidence and evaluative terminology)

UNDERDEVELOPMENT

1. The UN attempts to tackle the issue of underdevelopment through its specialised agencies. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The UN attempts to tackle the issue of underdevelopment through its specialised agencies. Specialised agencies provide targeted aid to resolve the key issues causing underdevelopment. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The UN attempts to tackle the issue of underdevelopment through its specialised agencies. Specialised agencies provide targeted aid to resolve the key issues causing underdevelopment. For example, UNICEF provides immunisations for diseases such as polio to improve health among children. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

TERRORISM

1. The EU attempts to tackle the issue of terrorism by sharing intelligence between member states. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. The EU attempts to tackle the issue of terrorism by sharing intelligence between member states. Terrorists often use false identities to evade border guards and police so the EU has counter terrorism strategies in place to prevent this. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. The EU attempts to tackle the issue of terrorism by sharing intelligence between member states. Terrorists often use false identities to evade border guards and police, so the EU has counter terrorism strategies in place to prevent this. For example, Europol, the EU police, works with non-EU countries to share information. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. other specialised agencies for example FAO, WHO
2. loans from IMF/World Bank
3. African Union
4. NATO air strikes
5. EU action to prevent online communication, terrorist list, cutting off financing
6. Interpol — intelligence sharing.

CONFLICT IN UKRAINE

1. One consequence of the conflict in Ukraine is that people become refugees. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of the conflict in Ukraine is that people become refugees. When Russia invaded Ukraine, people living in the affected regions on the Eastern border had to leave their homes and find somewhere else to live. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of the conflict in Ukraine is that people become refugees. When Russia invaded Ukraine, people living in the affected regions on the Eastern border had to leave their homes and find somewhere else to live. Over six million refugees from Ukraine are living across Europe and 3.7 million are displaced within the country. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. death — suicide bombers
2. poverty
3. emigration/brain drain
4. radicalised
5. unemployment
6. poor health
7. orphans
8. poor education, illiteracy.

TERRORISM

1. One cause of terrorism is nationalism. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One cause of terrorism is nationalism. This means that certain groups or individuals believe that their country should be its own independent state, so they use terrorism to achieve their aim. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One cause of terrorism is nationalism. This means that certain groups or individuals believe that their country should be its own independent state, so they use terrorism to achieve their aim. For example, the Kurdish nationalist group PKK, also known as TAK and HPG, operate in Turkey. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. extremism
2. conflict
3. inequality
4. political ideology
5. poverty
6. social factors for example, poor health and low level of education
7. corruption
8. territorial expansion
9. lack of democracy.

UNDERDEVELOPMENT

1. Military attempts have been taken to resolve the issue of underdevelopment because it can prevent human right abuses. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Military attempts have been taken to resolve the issue of underdevelopment because it can prevent human right abuses. Countries which are less developed are more likely to be affected by a conflict and this can lead to attacks on civilians and hijacking of aid. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Military attempts have been taken to resolve the issue of underdevelopment because it can prevent human right abuses. Countries which are less developed are more likely to be affected by a conflict and this can lead to attacks on civilians and hijacking of aid. For example, the African Union has deployed a regional force in DRC since 2022 to tackle the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in the east of the country. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. to prevent further loss of life
2. non-military responses have failed
3. prevent radicalisation
4. can assist to stabilise new governments
5. can be a quick response
6. to allow aid to reach civilians.

USA

1. One way that the US Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way that the US Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. This has attempted to cancel student debt. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way that the US Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. This has attempted to cancel student debt. President Biden introduced this, and it has helped approximately four million people. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2. Success for All (Education Reform)
3. Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
4. minimum wage
5. Affordable Connectivity Programme.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. One way that the South African Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the National School Nutrition Programme. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way that the South African Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the National School Nutrition Programme. This gives one nutritious meal a day to all learners in poorer primary and secondary schools. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way that the South African Government has attempted to tackle social and economic issues is through the National School Nutrition Programme. This gives one nutritious meal a day to all learners in poorer primary and secondary schools. This also involves school food gardens growing their own food and volunteers and parents run the kitchen. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. teacher laptop initiative
2. Read to Lead campaign
3. Ideal Clinic Programme
4. National Health Insurance
5. Antiretroviral (ARV) Treatment Programme.

USA

1. One cause of social issues in the US is the lack of access to health care. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One cause of social issues in the US is the lack of access to health care. A high number of Americans still find it difficult to access medical treatment due to cost. (2 marks — accurate point with development)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. poor education
2. poor housing
3. criminal activity
4. immigration.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. One cause of economic issues in South Africa is unemployment. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One cause of economic issues in South Africa is unemployment. This is often due to a lack of educational attainment. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One cause of economic issues in South Africa is unemployment. This is often due to a lack of educational attainment. The official unemployment rate is 33.5%. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. poverty
2. lack of investment
3. climate change shocks
4. corruption
5. poor infrastructure.

USA

1. Underrepresentation is an issue in US politics because many ethnic minorities, such as Black Americans, feel politically excluded and believe that their views do not matter. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Underrepresentation is an issue in US politics because many ethnic minorities, such as Black Americans, feel politically excluded and believe that their views do not matter. In the 118th Congress there are only 60 Black Americans out of 535 members (Senate and House of Representative — 2023). (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Underrepresentation is an issue in US politics because many ethnic minorities, such as Black Americans, feel politically excluded and believe that their views do not matter. In the 118th Congress there are only 60 Black Americans out of 535 members (Senate and House of Representative — 2023). This means that Black Americans will think their concerns and problems will not be taken seriously by law makers as they are not well represented in this institution and as a result will be less likely to participate in politics. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

BRAZIL

1. Underrepresentation is an issue in Brazilian politics because women feel politically excluded and believe that their views do not matter. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Underrepresentation is an issue in Brazilian politics because women feel politically excluded and believe that their views do not matter. In the Chamber of Deputies only 17.5% of the 513 members are women. (2 marks — accurate point with development)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. gender bias
2. lack of role models
3. language barriers
4. homophobia
5. educational attainment/lack of qualifications
6. cost of the political campaign
7. media profiles.

BRAZIL

1. One economic influence Brazil has on other countries is that it regularly gives export credits to other Latin American countries. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One economic influence Brazil has on other countries is that regularly gives export credits to other Latin American countries. In recent years, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has provided US$5 billion worth of loans to countries in the region. (2 marks — accurate point with development)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. exports
2. trade
3. World's third largest agricultural and food export
4. World's primary source of coffee, oranges, and cassava (manioc) and a major producer of sugar, soy, and beef
5. Brazil possesses the third largest economy (US $1.92 trillion in 2022) and the second largest population (215 million) in the Western Hemisphere
6. BRICS — investment opportunities.

USA

1. One military influence the US has on other countries is spending the most money on defence. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One military influence the US has on other countries is spending the most money on defence. This means that the US has the best and most technologically advanced military in the world compared to other countries which means other countries will not want to go to war with them. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One military influence the US has on other countries is spending the most money on defence. This means that the US has the best and most technologically advanced military in the world compared to other countries which means other countries will not want to go to war with them. For example, the US spent over $997 billion on defence in 2024 and recently announced their 'Golden Dome' missile programme. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Military
2. membership of NATO
3. founding member of United Nations.
4. Political
5. membership of international organisations, such as G7
6. global superpower
7. political leadership.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Drug crime is a problem in Scotland and this is highlighted by the increase in the number of drug-related deaths. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Drug crime is a problem in Scotland and this is highlighted by the increase in the number of drug-related deaths. Drug-related deaths in Scotland rose 12% last year. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Drug crime is a problem in Scotland and this is highlighted by the increase in the number of drug-related deaths. Drug-related deaths in Scotland rose 12% last year. Figures provided to the Scottish Government show that there were 1,172 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2023. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Scotland has the worst drug death rate in the UK and the rest of Europe
2. knife crime in the UK has become an increasingly pressing concern, with recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing a 7% rise in offences involving knives or sharp instruments in 2023 compared to the previous year
3. crimes of dishonesty on the increase — Police recorded theft has increased by 7% (to 1.8 million offences) compared with the year ending December 2022 (1.7 million offences) (England and Wales)
4. between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 the number of crimes of dishonesty recorded by the police in Scotland increased by 7%, from 103,393 to 111,054
5. prison population.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One consequence of crime on wider society is potential increases in taxation. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of crime on wider society is potential increases in taxation. All crimes come at a cost as it is the taxpayer who pays for the police to investigate a crime and for the courts to prosecute offenders. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of crime on wider society is potential increases in taxation. All crimes come at a cost as it is the taxpayer who pays for the police to investigate a crime and for the courts to prosecute offenders. Crime can also increase costs for fire and health services, for example when dealing with deliberate fire-raising or medical care after an assault. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. tax revenue redirected away from health or education
2. expenditure on anticipating crime
3. expenditure on responding to crime — policing, court system, prison system
4. cost to the NHS for example, treatment of victims that have been physically harmed
5. need for increase in charity run helplines, victim support services
6. reputation of Police Scotland/Metropolitan Police
7. breakdown in relationships between government and wider society.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. Prisons are an effective punishment because they can act as an effective deterrent to crime. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. Prisons are an effective punishment because they can act as an effective deterrent to crime. Prison can be seen as a tough type of punishment because it takes away your freedom, potential support networks and in many ways, it strips away your identity. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. Prisons are an effective punishment because they can act as an effective deterrent to crime. Prison can be seen as a tough type of punishment because it takes away your freedom, potential support networks and in many ways, it strips away your identity. The thought of prison is enough for some people to not even contemplate committing a criminal act. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. reform and rehabilitation — providing the right services and opportunities that support rehabilitation to prevent a return to crime
2. improving prisoners' mental health and tackling substance misuse
3. improving prisoners progress in Maths and English
4. safety to members of the public
5. justice for victims
6. prison programmes — 'Freedom Bakery', 'Paws for Thought'.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way in which social and economic inequality is a problem in Scotland and the UK is because of the high rates of child poverty. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way in which social and economic inequality is a problem in Scotland and the UK is because of the high rates of child poverty. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, child poverty is rising with large numbers of children living in relative poverty. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way in which social and economic inequality is a problem in Scotland and the UK is because of the high rates of child poverty. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, child poverty is rising with large numbers of children living in relative poverty. For example, in 2022 4.2 million children in the UK were living in poverty, which is around 29% of all children. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. unemployment
2. in-work poverty
3. food bank use
4. homelessness
5. higher crime rates
6. health inequalities.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One consequence of social and economic inequality on wider society is widening health inequalities. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One consequence of social and economic inequality on wider society is widening health inequalities. This is because there is a direct link between income and poor health as those who live in poverty are more likely to experience more health issues. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One consequence of social and economic inequality on wider society is widening health inequalities. This is because there is a direct link between income and poor health as those who live in poverty are more likely to experience more health issues. For example, life expectancy in Glasgow varies hugely between richer and poorer areas of the city — in Pollokshields, life expectancy is 83 years whilst in Govan it is 65.4. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. attainment gap
2. higher taxation/benefit spending
3. unemployment
4. stagnant housing market
5. pressure on services.

Possible approaches to answering the question:

1. One way in which the private sector has been successful in tackling social and economic inequalities is through working in partnership with the Scottish Government to provide modern apprenticeships. (1 mark — accurate but undeveloped point)
2. One way in which the private sector has been successful in tackling social and economic inequalities is through working in partnership with the Scottish Government to provide modern apprenticeships. This is when private companies employ and train a young person in a range of industries, such as construction, IT, social care and sports development. (2 marks — accurate point with development)
3. One way in which the private sector has been successful in tackling social and economic inequalities is through working in partnership with the Scottish Government to provide modern apprenticeships. This is when private companies employ and train a young person in a range of industries, such as construction, IT, social care and sports development. This has been a success because in 2023 the number of modern apprenticeships exceeded the target of 25,000, with 25,477 being trained according to Skills Development Scotland. (3 marks — accurate point with development and exemplification)
4. One way in which the private sector has been successful in tackling social and economic inequalities is through working in partnership with the Scottish Government to provide modern apprenticeships. This is when private companies employ and train a young person in a range of industries such as construction, IT, social care and sports development. This has been a success because in 2023 the number of modern apprenticeships exceeded the target of 25,000, with 25,477 being trained according to Skills Development Scotland. In addition, the majority of these apprentices (81%) were working towards securing qualifications beyond Higher level, which in turn creates improved job security. (4 marks — accurate point with development, exemplification and analysis)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. social housing allocation within private housing developments
2. flexible working hours
3. real living wage
4. positive discrimination
5. private health care packages
6. discounted shopping days, for example B&Q over 60's card
7. regeneration of areas, such as Easterhouse (Glasgow Fort).

Evidence to support the view of Jess Porter that MUP has been a success in Scotland:

1. Source 1 states that 'According to recent studies, since the introduction of MUP, alcohol sales in Scotland have fallen.' (1 mark — accurate use of Source 1 but minimal development)
2. Source 1 states that 'According to recent studies, since the introduction of MUP, alcohol sales in Scotland have fallen.' This can be linked to Source 3 where Professor Barbour says that 'Our research has shown MUP has reduced alcohol sales in Scotland, and this has undoubtedly benefitted the nation's health.' (2 marks — accurate use of Sources 1 and 3 linking two pieces of evidence)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Source 1 states that 'according to research it is estimated that each year, on average, MUP has saved 268 lives and has prevented 899 hospital admissions.'
2. Source 1 states that 'The alcohol products that MUP has specifically targeted, such as strong ciders and spirits, have seen the biggest reduction in sales since the pricing policy was implemented.'
3. Source 2 shows that a majority (52%) of those surveyed said they buy less alcohol because of MUP.
4. Joe in Source 3 says 'I don't drink strong cider or spirits anymore as it is simply too expensive.'
5. Source 3 states 'MUP has saved hundreds of lives that would otherwise have ended in early deaths, as well as reducing the number needing hospital care which in turn has saved the NHS money.'

Evidence to oppose the view of Jess Porter that MUP has been a success in Scotland:

1. Source 1 says that 'A high number of deaths in Scotland continue to be linked to alcohol.' (1 mark — accurate use of Source 1 but minimal development)
2. Source 1 says that 'A high number of deaths in Scotland continue to be linked to alcohol.' This can be linked to Source 2 which shows that the number of deaths due to alcohol has increased since the introduction of the MUP policy in 2018, from 1,136 to 1,277 in 2023. (2 marks — accurate use of Sources 1 and 2 linking two pieces of evidence)
3. Source 1 says that 'A high number of deaths in Scotland continue to be linked to alcohol.' This can be linked to Source 2 which shows that the number of deaths due to alcohol has increased since the introduction of the MUP policy in 2018, from 1,136 to 1,277 in 2023. This is an increase of 141 deaths, which is a big increase and shows that MUP is clearly not preventing deaths and therefore can't be considered a resounding success. (3 marks — accurate use of Sources 1 and 2 linking two pieces of evidence with evaluation)

Credit reference to aspects of the following:

1. Source 1 states that 'among those drinking at harmful levels or people who are dependent on alcohol, there has been no clear evidence of a change in alcohol consumption'
2. Source 1 states 'The price increase of alcohol due to MUP has led to some economically vulnerable people experiencing increased financial strain as they spend more on alcohol than they can afford. This can lead to those who are dependent on alcohol reducing other spending, such as that on food and utilities'
3. in Source 3 Fergus says that 'My friend drinks too much and MUP has simply meant he spends more to maintain his drinking habits which hurts him financially'
4. Dr Yang in Source 3 says 'I see patients every week who are dependent on alcohol and their situation hasn't improved since MUP was introduced'
5. in Source 3 Fjolla says 'I heard on the news that deaths due to alcohol continue to increase. This proves MUP isn't working.'