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This source is adapted from an article in the Financial Times in November 2019 - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 1
This source is adapted from an article in the Financial Times in November 2019. Source 1 Nigel Farage claimed that Brexit party supporters were offered peerages in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This source is adapted from an article in the Financial Times in November 2019 - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
compare and contrast different opinions in the source
Answer
The source presents two differing views on the roles and membership of the House of Lords. On one hand, Nigel Farage criticizes the House of Lords for its lack of democratic legitimacy and an outdated membership profile, with a high average age and a predominance of male peers. He implies that the system of appointments produces an unprofessional chamber, questioning the efficacy of its role in governance.
Conversely, the source highlights that many members of the Lords, especially crossbenchers, act independently and are not aligned with any political party, allowing them to hold the government accountable. The independent House of Lords Appointments Commission has also introduced greater diversity by increasing female representation and the inclusion of members from ethnic minorities, which can be seen as a counter-argument to Farage's claims of the chamber's unrepresentativeness.
Step 2
examine and debate these views in a balanced way
Answer
Evaluating the necessity for reforms within the House of Lords, one must consider both the criticisms and the defenses of its current structure. Critics argue that appointments are disproportionate and that the average age and gender composition fail to represent modern British society. Furthermore, the relationship between political donations and peerage nominations raises questions about integrity within the chamber.
Proponents of the current system counter that the independence of thought among the Lords allows for vital checks on government power, particularly in the realm of important legislation. The successes in increasing diversity and representation among peers should be recognized, as they demonstrate an effort to modernize the chamber. Therefore, while there are valid concerns surrounding representation, it is equally essential to acknowledge the positive functions the House serves within the broader political landscape.
Step 3
analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
The analysis and evaluation of the information provided in the source indicates a complex landscape regarding the roles and membership of the House of Lords. On one side, Nigel Farage's perspectives resonate with ongoing public sentiments advocating for reform in appointments and representational fairness. The noted statistics about age, gender, and ethnic representation show a significant gap when compared to the general population.
On the other side, the source emphasizes the Lords' role in maintaining governmental accountability and reflects on the measures taken to diversify membership. By focusing on the independent vetting process and recent improvements in demographic representation, it suggests a movement toward modernization that may counterbalance the necessity for sweeping reforms. This duality indicates that while there are critical issues that warrant reform discussions, the practical functioning of the Lords serves to mitigate some of these concerns.