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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 contrasting opinions regarding the roles and membership of the House of Lords. On one side, Nigel Farage criticizes the House of Lords as lacking legitimacy due to the age of its members and the system of appointment, which he claims produces an unprofessional chamber. He also points out the correlation between political donations and nominations, suggesting that the chamber is influenced by external factors, rather than being a purely democratic institution.
Conversely, the source highlights the perspective that the Lords exhibit 'independence of thought', particularly among crossbenchers. This indicates that many members strive to hold the government accountable and provide expert analysis in legislative processes. The mention of the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission adds further credibility to the argument that there are efforts to ensure that appointments are made based on merit and expertise.
Step 2
examine and debate these views in a balanced way
Answer
While Farage’s concerns regarding the legitimacy and professionalism of the House of Lords are valid, it is essential to evaluate these alongside the positive aspects highlighted in the source. The independence of thought displayed by many Lords suggests a functioning democracy, albeit one that may need reform. For example, the ability of the Lords to defeat government proposals indicates an important check on power. However, the criticism regarding the average age and the appointment process cannot be ignored, as they raise questions about the relevance of its members and the transparency of the nomination process.
Step 3
analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
The information in the source suggests that while there are legitimate issues concerning the legitimacy of the House of Lords, there are also positive indicators of its functionality. The source mentions that over 25% of members are women and 20% come from ethnic minorities, reflecting a move towards greater representation. Furthermore, the independent vetting of nominations highlights a systematic approach towards maintaining quality within the chamber. This informs the debate on whether reforms are necessary; while there are valid points for reform, the evidence suggests that some modernizations have already been implemented.