SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS
AUTHORITY
FK85 34
Politics A: An Introduction to Political Theories
of the State
Poster Presentation Exemplar
Rationale
 Example of diverse assessment
 Feedback to SQA
– EV reports
– Centres
Secure 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 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 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 & Locke
Democracy &
Representation
PLATO
John Locke
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.
Types of Democracy
Direct (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.
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.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 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can be withdrawn if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.
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)
Plato & Concepts
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)
Locke & Concepts
Poster 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
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.
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 behalf
Auxiliaries (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
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.
Types of Democracy
Direct (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)
Locke
Believes men are moral & good. Can work harmoniously & Cooperate. 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).
Social Contract
Unwritten 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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
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
Positives of Poster Presentation
 Developing Student confidence
 CfE – skills development (choice, ICT, etc)
 Easier to check understanding
 Cuts loss of class time for presentations