Edexcel AS Politics specification (8PL0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel AS Politics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel AS Politics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel AS Politics (8PL0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This AS Level qualification in Politics aims to develop students’ knowledge and critical understanding of UK political structures, processes, ideas, and institutions. Students examine contemporary political systems in their historical context, gaining insight into participation, governance, and democratic developments in the UK. The course fosters awareness of the evolving nature of politics, the influence of pressure groups and the media, and debates around power and sovereignty. It supports analytical, evaluative, and interpretative skills essential for engaging with politics, while encouraging interest in current affairs and active citizenship.Subject content breakdown
1. Democracy and participation
- Features, advantages and disadvantages of direct and representative democracy.
- Milestones in the extension of the franchise (e.g. 1832, 1918, 1928, 1969 Acts).
- Influence and methods of pressure groups, think tanks, lobbyists and corporations.
- Development of rights in the UK including key laws and civil liberty groups.
2. Political parties
- Functions, features, and funding of UK political parties.
- Historical development and policies of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.
- Roles and significance of emerging and minor parties.
- Development of a multi-party system and factors influencing party success.
3. Electoral systems
- Operation, advantages and disadvantages of FPTP, AMS, STV and SV systems.
- Use and impact of referendums since 1997.
- Analysis of electoral systems’ effects on government formation and voter choice.
4. Voting behaviour and the media
- Case studies of three elections (pre-1997, 1997, post-1997) including policies, campaigning, and voting trends by demographics.
- Role and influence of media, including opinion polls, media bias and persuasion.
5. The constitution
- Nature and sources of the UK constitution; key historical documents.
- Reforms since 1997 and their implications.
- Structure and impact of devolution across the UK.
- Debates around constitutional reform, codification, and sovereignty.
6. Parliament
- Structure and roles of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
- Comparative powers and legislative process, including Salisbury Convention.
- Interaction with the Executive through backbenchers, select committees, and PMQs.
7. Prime Minister and executive
- Structure and powers of the executive; Royal Prerogative and secondary legislation.
- Ministerial responsibility (individual and collective).
- Cabinet dynamics and Prime Ministerial leadership, with study of two PMs.
8. Relationships between the branches
- Supreme Court’s role and its impact on legislative and executive powers.
- Balance of power between Parliament and the Executive.
- Impact of the EU and post-Brexit implications on sovereignty.
- Analysis of legal and political sovereignty in the UK system.
Assessment structure
Component 1: UK Politics
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks (50% of AS).
- Section A: One 10-mark question (AO1).
- Section B: Two 10-mark source-based questions (AO1/AO2 and AO2/AO3).
- Section C: One 30-mark essay question from two options (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Component 2: UK Government
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks (50% of AS).
- Section A: One 10-mark question (AO1).
- Section B: Two 10-mark source-based questions (AO1/AO2 and AO2/AO3).
Section C: One 30-mark essay question from two options (AO1, AO2, AO3).
- Both papers assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, and evaluation using written and data sources.
- Synoptic assessment is included in Component 2, Section C, drawing on Component 1 knowledge.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel AS Politics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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