The A Level Politics Show: Recent Episodes
Nick de Souza
Welcome to The A Level Politics Show, where amazing things happen. We will go through as many political topics as possible to give you as much help as we can with your A Level Politics revision. We will focus on UK politics and US politics, and also look at political ideologies, including liberalism, socialism, conservatism and feminism. While this show is geared towards A Level Politics students, we hope to appeal to anyone who is interested in current affairs, and who would like to find out more about how politics actually works. We hope you enjoy the show!
This episode takes the listener through a host of reforms introduced by Labour and Conservative governments and analyses whether they are in the process of reversal.
Please note that this episode was supposed to be the free monthly pod for June but I have brought it forward to the end of May so that those of you taking your Paper 2 exam will have more time to listen to it. I’m nice like that.
Did you enjoy it / find it useful? Then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Is the SCOTUS too powerful? To answer this question, this episode looks at the effectiveness of 1) the constitutional restraints, 2) self restraint and 3) public reactions.
Enjoy the show, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Episode 150!
In today's landmark show, we take a look at the EU, its aims, and whether they have been achieved. We break down its goals in three main areas:
1) Completing the single market with the promotion of the four freedoms
2) Economic and Monetary Union
3) Political Union
My scorecard, for what it is worth - lots done but still so much more to do.
Enjoy the show, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Today we take a deep dive on the executive's powers, including
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Initiating legislation in government's manifesto
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Making policy on matters that arise (the Doctor's Mandate)
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Wielding secondary legislation (SIs)
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Proposing budgets
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Exercising the Royal Prerogative
Enjoy the show, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Do Pressure groups help or hinder democratic processes? For this pod, I'll explore the impact of US pressure groups on different forms of democracy, including representative, pluralist and liberal.
Enjoy the show, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
In this episode, I look at whether smaller political parties have influence in/upon the UK political system. To consider this question, we need to consider the following:
1) The representation of smaller parties in the UK Parliament and in the devolved bodies
2) The participation of smaller parties in government both centrally and regionally
3) The impact that smaller parties have had on party policy and upon the electoral fortunes of the larger parties
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Hello dear listener! The number one request I have had is that transcripts be made available. Well, if you listen on Spotify, now they are! The A Level Politics Show now has transcripts of every episode! How about that! What’s great is that Spotify let’s you listen along and read the transcript at the same time as listening to it, or you could have the sound off if you don’t like the sound of my voice (my wife tells me that this is what she does). You can also just skip to the section in the transcript that you find most useful and start playback from wherever you want.
How do you do this? Okay, follow these simply steps.
1) In the Spotify app, go to The A Level Politics Show podcast page.
2) Click on the episode you are interested in.
3) Scroll to the bottom of that page and tap on “Episode Transcripts”. And there you have it!
Plus Plus Plus subscribers will be able to access every single transcript of every podcast ever produced – at the time of recording that’s 140-odd transcripts. Yet another reason why subscribing is such a good idea – for just £1.99 per month you get access to the complete back catalogue of The A Level Politics Show, spanning over four years, lasting longer than three British PMs and hundreds of government ministers (okay in the current environment that’s not too difficult). What is more, you’ll get 2 bonus pods, exclusive to subscribers, along with the standard free episode, every single month. Click here to get started! You can cancel at anytime and there are no hidden costs.
That’s it from me for 2023 – I hope that you all have a wonderful New Year!
This episode will answer the following question: To what extent do liberals share similar views about human nature? I also introduce listeners to the idea of writing SUPER CHUNKIES!
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Some socialists don't even want a state. Others think the state should abolish capitalism, which is at odds with third way thinkers who believe the state must embrace it. And don't get these guys started on the state's role in promoting social equality...
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
In this episode, we consider whether manifestos affect election outcomes, and if they have an impact on the way a party governs.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
Are referendums better than e-petitions or recall elections? In this episode, I argue that they are not.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
In this pod, a long-awaited update to episode 20, we evaluate the view that government attitudes are the most important determinant of pressure group success. In a word, yes.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
Are you taking A Level History? Then why not check out The A Level History Podcast on Spotify! For everything Cold War and More. Click here to check it out.
The world has changed since we last looked at this topic and so it is high time for an update. A wave of public sector strikes as well as protests by environmental groups should give us pause for thought when considering levels of political engagement in the UK. Are we entering a new era of campaigning advocacy and agitation? I argue that we are.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
In this episode, we debate which branch is stronger, examining a range of tools that each one has to control the other. It all comes down to circumstances.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening. Also look out, Plus Plus Plus subscribers, for the all new E. G.4Me episodes, which takes you through a breaking news stories and attempts to make sense of it.
Thanks for your support of this show!
A Level Politics could easily be renamed A Level current affairs. It’s a live subject and as Politics students you need to use updated examples and explain their significance. This can be hard, especially around revision time when you have got your heads in your books, and class notes going back 18 months, visiting examples that perhaps were current at the time, only to be told by someone somewhere that your examples are out of date. Likewise, you might get news alerts on your phone about this minister or that scandal or that protest, but the sheer number of moving parts can seem overwhelming at times, especially in these febrile times.
Don’t worry though, The Level Politics Show is here to help, with the release of E.G.4Me. I’m hoping that about once a week, I’ll release a brief episode of no more than five minutes long (I promise it won’t be more than that!) going through a specific UK or US news story that has recently broken. Each EG4Me episode will explain what happened, what does it all mean, and, most importantly, how you use the example for different essay questions.
I'm giving away this first episode for free. If you like what you hear, then why not subscribe the Plus Plus Plus! For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional full-length episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Oh, and of course, every future release of E.G.4Me! Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started.
On today's E.G.4Me: Housing campaigners welcome ban on no-fault evictions. For more about Acorn, the pressure group detailed in this show, click here.
In this episode, we use recent examples to assess the benefits of pressure groups. We focus on the functions of pressure groups, the theories of pluralism and elitism, and the all important role of lobbying. And yes, Matt Hancock makes another appearance.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. You can also ask follow up questions to each episode by clicking "reply" on the "Do you need any further" help section in the show notes (Spotify listeners only for moment) and take part in our episode by episode polls once you have finished listening.
Thanks for your support of this show!
Enjoy the podcast? Then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS! In addition to the monthly free episode, you'll receive TWO additional podcasts each month. Once they are released, these bonus episodes will will appear automatically in your podcast feed (cancel anytime but clicking unsubscribe in your confirmation email). You will also gain access to the entire back catalogue of The A Level Politics Show. Just click here to get started.
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With three prime ministers in a year and multiple policy u-turns it is hard to see past the argument that the Tories are more divided than the Labour Party. Admittedly, perhaps favourable opinion polls for Labour hide the division in that party, and things can change pretty quickly if, say, there are a bad set of election results or a scandal. Yet the Conservatives are perpetually in conflict between their ideological beliefs on the one hand and the need for pragmatism and electoral viability on the other. It doesn't want to be a high tax party, but arguably Covid and its previous underfunding of public services have forced the Tories to become one. The EU referendum ripped the party apart, and just as it was putting some of those difficulties behind it, along came #partygate, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss' mini budget to add to the drama. Meanwhile, although the left remains the left inside the Labour Party, it appears willing to sleep until Starmer trips up, perhaps by underwhelming at the next general election and forcing him to require left wing votes. Until such a scenario, however, Labour looks the happier bunny.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
In this episode, we examine in turn how devolution is working in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. This pod is an update to episodes 35 and 60, which are still useful, since they deal with slightly different questions, including whether England ought to have its own Parliament and whether devolution has improved democracy.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
In this episode, I argue that most conservatives share similar views on economic matters. However, Neo-liberals are the ideological outliers. Their advocation of rational human nature, atomistic society (does one even exist?) and on a "miniarchist" state leads these kinds of conservatives to very different conclusions about the type of economy that they want.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
While legal sovereignty has in part returned to the UK and to the Westminster parliament, political sovereignty still largely rests with the executive. Furthermore, there is the argument that the EU referendum was indeed the ultimate assertion of popular sovereignty, rather than parliamentary power. Meanwhile, the devolved bodies aren't going away and are willing to fight the UK government in the courts. Indeed, sovereignty post-Brexit is the same as it ever was... complicated.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
Is an election truly representative when so few seats change hands and most of the existing incumbents win? How important is social diversity? Does it matter if members of Congress vote solely along party lines? We explore all of these questions and assess the impact of the 2022 midterms on Congressional representation.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
Liz Truss’ mini budget blew up in smoke, forcing her to accept the most dramatic U-turn in British political history. Her tax cuts were almost all reversed and within days she announced her resignation. The New Right appeared to be in retreat. Yet her successor, Rishi Sunak, is no One Nation Conservative. A cautious Thatcherite is still a Thatcherite. And this caution is only reserved for the economy. On welfare, law and order and international affairs, neo-conservative influence on policy is clear as day. Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
In this episode, we examine how dominance of the political system is fleeting and that peril is the norm. If recent and past examples are what you are looking for, then look no further. Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
In this episode, we look at how to answer the 12 mark questions in Paper 2 (Edexcel - US route). We focus on the use of comparative language and give tips on how to incorporate comparative theories, and showcase how we do this through extracts to model answers. Much of the content of this episode can be found in a recent Politics Review article that I wrote. Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click here to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here. Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.
In this episode, we look at how to structure ideologies essays using the "disagree sandwich" approach. We examine the importance of comparative and persuasive language, give tips on where to use key thinkers and how to write a "strands-led" answer. In addition, there are more suggestions for sentence starters than you can shake a stick at.
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Click here to begin your subscription: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here: amzn.to/3EUnOyl Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us.
In this episode, we go through the key features and principles of the US constitution and answer the following question: Evaluate the view that the key features of the US constitution no longer work and are no longer relevant. This podcast will improve your understanding of 1) Federalism 2) Limited Government 3) The Separation of Powers 4) Bipartisanship and 5) Checks and Balances. Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Running order for July 2022: 1) US Constitution: does it still work? (Free) 2) Comparative: Labour and Democrats (Exclusive to PLUS PLUS PLUS Subscribers) 3) How different electoral systems work (Exclusive to PLUS PLUS PLUS Subscribers) Click here to begin your subscription: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here: amzn.to/3EUnOyl Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us.
When judges in the UK take decisions, are they consciously or unconsciously bias? Are judges free to make decisions free from political interference? We explore these questions and more in the latest episode of The A Level Politics Show!
Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning.
Here is the running order for June
Running order for June 2022:
- Is the UK Supreme Court independent and neutral?
- Is the personal political?(Exclusive to PLUS PLUS PLUS Subscribers)
- Comparative: Labour and Democrats (Exclusive to PLUS PLUS PLUS Subscribers)
Click here to begin your subscription: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe
If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from here: amzn.to/3EUnOyl Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us.
A quick word from me about The A Level Politics Show PLUS PLUS PLUS! For a £1.99 a month subscription, you will receive two additional podcasts in addition to the free episodes that I’ll continue to produce. Just click on the link to make it happen! https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe
A bad press headline here, a trust-sapping scandal there, and a party divided on the important issue of the day. Any party can hope to survive and even thrive with just one of these negative occurrences. Combine all three though, and party success will ebb away, perhaps for a generation. Which factor matters most, though? In this podcast, I argue that leaders matter far more in determining the success of their parties - their command (or lack thereof) of their brief affects the image of their parties and the trust voters have in them, leaving the press ready to feast on the carcass. Much of the content from this podcast can be found in my revision textbook. Go and buy it by clicking on this link: amzn.to/3EUnOyl
Like the podcast? Then why not subscribe to A Level Politics Show PLUS PLUS PLUS? In addition to the monthly free episode , you'll receive TWO additional podcasts each month to help you with your studies. Once they are released, these bonus episodes will will appear automatically in your podcast feed. Subscribe now to PLUS PLUS PLUS for a fantastic price of £1.99 per month. Just click the following link to get started: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe
This episode compares the constitutional standing of the two leaders, the accountability they have to their legislatures (or lack thereof) and their ability to control their cabinets. For those listening before the 2022 public exam, this is one question you’ll want to practice: Analyse the relative power of the UK PM and US President. If you like this podcast, why not rate it happy and leave a positive review! Or/and buy my book - available cheap for a limited time on Amazon by clicking the link: amzn.to/3EUnOyl
The US constitution, forged in the aftermath of revolution, blends specificity with vagueness, formal entrenchment with interpretive possibility. Supporters argue that this mix of rigidity and flexibility allows it to protect its key features, such checks and balances, the separation of powers and federalism, while at the same time give provision for evolution. Yet its detractors point to the consequences, including a near impossible amendment hurdle that empowers unelected judges. They also point to the dual problem of, on the one hand, an overt precision that forces contemporary lawmakers to respect outdated practices and, on the other, a lack of clarity which creates the the very tension the founding fathers hoped to resolve. I hope you enjoy this show and find it useful. If you do, why not leave a lovely review wherever you download you podcasts. Oh, and buy the book for more A Level Politics goodness. https://amzn.to/3EUnOyl
There are two conventions that are supposed to ensure that ministers act responsibly - collective and individual. In this podcast, I argue that collective ministerial responsibility remains intact, despite coalition, Brexit and the pandemic. Yet ministers are increasingly failing to take individual ministerial responsibility for their actions. While Matt Hancock resigned over breaking social distancing rules, Boris Johnson hasn’t. In politics as in life, standards are set, or not set, at the top. If you enjoy this podcast, check out the book! Available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_T3N9200TPEB2Q87Z64D8
While there is greater diversity in Congress, gerrymandering is ruining competitive elections in the House of Representatives. While presidents have been impeached and wrongdoing investigated, the rise of “Gotcha” politics prevents meaning oversight. And while Congress sometimes acts decisively, victims of gun crime and those who live in fear of deportation see little prospect that there is a Congress out that which works for them. If you like this episode, please leave a favourable rating in your podcast app of choice as it helps others to find out about the show and makes me very happy indeed. Oh, and do have think about buying my book (as a Christmas gift perhaps). https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_4N38XWFVXWF4DBC79QVN Happy holidays everyone!
It has been two years since we covered the Tories and a lot has happened since then. Boris Johnson has steered it towards a more One Nation approach on economic policy, but in a more New Right direction on a number of other matters. The global pandemic has also affected the party’s approach towards state intervention, in both economic affairs and on service provision. In this episode, we discuss whether these polices represent a permanent change, aided and abetted by Tories representing former Labour strongholds, or if they merely provide ballast for winning general elections. Enjoy the show, and if you like it then please say so by reviewing it on Apple podcasts or wherever you do your listening. Oh, and have I told you about my book? Available on all good bookstores and on Amazon. Click here to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XTRZ5R5DWNHT2XFD7V7M
Matthew and Nick discuss voting, political party membership, pressure group activity and online activism. We absolutely do our best not to plug Nick’s book, or to point out that it is available on Amazon and in all good bookshops.
Welcome back to The A Level Politics Show! To kickstart this glorious fourth season, Matthew Phillips and I debate the health of UK democracy. We cover electoral practices, parliamentary representation, the protection of rights and participation, and yes, he helps me to plug my book. In all good bookshops now and under a tenner on Amazon. So good to have you back with us, dear listener!
In this, the last episode of series 3, we focus on the similarities and differences between the UK Conservative Party and US Republican Party. Both of these parties share similar feelings about welfare and the economy, but operate in different political cultures, allowing the GOP greater ideological purity and forcing the Tories to act more pragmatically. If you like the show, then buy the book - out on August 27th. https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Revision-Notes-Pearson-Politics/dp/1398325538/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=nick+de+souza&qid=1626859038&sprefix=nick+de+souza&sr=8-1 Thanks for your support of the show in these difficult times; See you all again in September!
In this episode, we compare the power and status of the highest courts in both countries. On the surface, both courts appear relatively similar. They both enjoy the power of judicial review and are entirely separate from other branches of government. Yet the different constitutional arrangements in the US allows its Supreme Court far more extensive influence. That said, the appointment process in the UK is far less politicised, perhaps inhibiting the ability of politicians to shape it how they see fit. So yes, the US Supreme Court is more powerful overall, but UK Supreme Court is starting to find its feet. If you like this show, perhaps you’ll like my new revision book. Pre-order it now: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BYFD19W27DH384S0S677
While public bill committees lack the tools for genuine scrutiny of legislation, select committees do a pretty decent job of holding government to account. Perhaps it is time merge the functions of parliamentary committees so that ordinary backbenchers could have a genuinely important role in shaping the laws of the country. What do you think? Let me know by getting in touch on Twitter (@nickdesouza). If you like the show, why not pre-order my UK politics revision book. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FQ5PXFE1WJMJ8FXQMNJ3
From the failure of Iowa to report its caucus results, to fraudulent claims by Trump of vote rigging, the integrity of US elections is in jeopardy. This episode examines an array of areas, including primaries, the electoral college, attempts at voter suppression and gerrymandering, to help students evaluate the question: Evaluate the view that US elections are democratic. The answer arrived at by many, sadly, will be no. Oh, and if you love the show then buy the book, available to preorder right now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Revision-Notes-Pearson-Politics/dp/1398325538
While Congress can declare war, block diplomats from taking up their posts and withhold funding for war, the president largely calls the shots when it comes to US foreign policy. The early days of the Biden presidency has shown how the commander-in-chief can set the tone and decide upon who to call friend and foe. There will always be times when a President is questioned more, particularly when a policy goes awry. Yet more often than not a President will act as they see fit, not as other politicians do.
In this episode, we examine whether the case for further constitutional reform has become overwhelming. We examine topics that have been covered on the podcast before and bring them under one roof to help you answer a general question on this topic. Should the constitution be codified? Is there a case for further devolution in England and ought the Human Rights Act to be replaced with a British Bill of Rights?
If you find the podcast useful, think about pre-ordering my revision book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Revision-Notes-Pearson-Politics/dp/1398325538/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=nick+de+souza&qid=1617877782&sr=8-1
How united is the GOP? While some Republicans have pushed back against Trump’s form of conservatism, there are too few to be considered a threat to his hegemony. The language of the GOP is now in lock step with that of the 45th President. The party has moved decisively to the right on social and moral issues. While there are divides on the economy, all Republicans unite behind tax cuts and deregulation. Equally, occasional fights over healthcare or Covid relief notwithstanding, the GOP believe in limited government and its lawmakers are largely united in pursuing this goal. I hope you like the show, and if you do, have a think about pre-ordering my revision guide. You can do this by clicking on this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_545730Z55AZVQ2ZMBC6F Enjoy!
How unified are The Democrats? This podcast examines party divides over social and moral issues, economic policy and the role of the federal government in welfare, to determine whether progressive Democrats are able to work with moderates. We come to the conclusion that the divides between the factions are not insurmountable, as the early days of the Biden administration has shown. The party is arguably more unified, helped by the opposition to Trump, than it has ever been. Tensions are creative rather than destructive. Meanwhile, if you like this podcast then have a think about pre-ordering my revision guide. You can do this by clicking on this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_545730Z55AZVQ2ZMBC6F Enjoy!
In this episode, we focus on what backbenchers do. What are their functions and which one is the most important? We examine the influence of backbench MPs in both hung and majority parliaments, and then end with some tips on what to look out for when defining key words in your introduction. Enjoy!
Measures to regulate money and the influence it brings to those who spend it in US elections have failed. Campaign finance laws were crafted for a different era and in any case were gutted by the Supreme Court. The net effect is to leave US democracy poorer and special interests more powerful than ever before. By the way, I had wanted to play ABBA’s Money Money Money at the end of this episode but something went wrong. So perhaps you might like to hum it instead.
Should the English be given their own parliament? Or will regional assemblies better represent the people? Of course, there is a third option - continue with the patchwork of random institutions that are created as and when the government sees fit. This “organic” and very British way of implementing devolution has been the route taken for the past twenty years. Proponents of this view argue that “need” is better than “neatness”. I take the view that fairness is better than mess. While an English Parliament should be seen for what it is - a reactionary and narrow-minded attempt to shut people out of decision making - regional assemblies would do the opposite. It is time, I argue, for a federal UK.
In this special episode, we look at how different groups of Americans voted in the US election and whether any conclusions can be drawn about why Biden won. Is this the first election that was decided on the basis of gender? How important was race, especially when considering the summer of protest, the Black Lives Matter movement and the killing of George Floyd? Is age a significant determinant of voting behaviour, or were senior citizens as appalled as their grandchildren at Trump’s handling of Covid 19? We also explore the complexities of class and income, along with voting along religious lines. The one startling realisation that I had, after watching 36 hours straight of John King on CNN, is that where a person lives in America really does matter.
With only 11 seats in parliament, it is difficult to forget that the Liberal Democrats improved its vote share at the 2019 general election, winning 3.6 million votes. Yet what of its future direction? Is it now a Modern Liberal party or will it seek to outflank to Tories on the right by calling for a smaller state? In this brief episode, we look at the 2019 manifesto for some clues.
Imagine receiving a call from the US President? Or being invited to a White House dinner? These methods and others like them have been used by all presidents to get lawmakers to do what presidents want them to do. Yet in the era of hyper-partisanship, this use of soft power is largely redundant. Presidents have resorted instead to using direct authority to bypass the hurdles that the constitution puts in place. Yet rather than showing a lack of necessity to persuade, these approaches indicate the weaknesses of presidents when persuasion is not possible or desirable. Yes, powerful presidents might not need to persuade, but most presidents are not powerful for long. Ultimately, the importance of persuasion depends on the capacity of the office holder (no point trying if you are not very good at it), and the circumstances in which they find themselves.
In this episode, I try (badly) to introduce you to the “disagree/agree” sandwich format of writing ideologies essays. Warning: there is a dubious analogy to beef burgers. Halloumi is mentioned too. At some point, the divides over the economy are discussed. Apologies for a very noisy fridge in the background - it makes a change from the cat, I suppose.
When the HRA was passed in 1998, few could have imagined its impact on UK Politics. It seemed to merely confirm the rights that had already existed - those written into the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Yet in giving UK citizens to the right to use UK courts to seek redress of grievance, legal avenues to claim rights came closer to the people. No longer would they have to travel to Strasbourg to fight for their rights in the European Court of Human Rights (although they still could), the guarantor of the ECHR. Yet the backlash against a so-called rights culture has been severe. Successive Conservative governments have promised to either scrap or “update”, to replace it with a bill of rights or kill it altogether. Despite the assault on the HRA, it remains in place, for now.
Welcome to series 3 of The A Level Politics Show! We hope like the new jingles. In this episode, we focus on whether political parties adequately serve democracy. To do so, they must represent the public rather than their donors, they must hold government to account and provide meaningful routes for citizens to participate. I argue that political parties fall far short of performing these functions and, in doing so, do a disservice democracy.
In the last episode of the current series (don’t worry - we’ll be back soon!), we compare legislative output with legislative quality. Parliament is good at the former but not at the latter. The fusion of powers, the limited opportunities for ordinary MPs to shape law and the curbs on the House of Lords all serve to give the government too much of an advantage. Yes, we get laws passed, but are they any good?
If we were to judge success by what we preferred, it is likely that we would view presidents very differently. It is far easier to judge success by whether presidents achieve what they set out to do. In this regard, Clinton, Bush Jnr, Obama and Trump all have one thing in common: their success depends almost entirely upon circumstance.
In this episode, we compare the House of Commons with the House of Representatives, and the House of Lords with the Senate. In doing so, it is important to examine the powers of each chamber, their status in relation to their sister chambers and their capacity to check the work of the executive. Finally, we send you on your merry way with a host of tips for 12 mark questions. It’s hard to believe that this is the 50th episode of The A Level Politics Show. More than 40,000 downloads and streams later and we are still going strong. Thank you to everyone who listens to the show. If you like us then please leave a favourable rating and review on whatever platform you use to get your podcasts, so that more people can find us. Enjoy!
To be truly representative, parliament should not only resemble the people it serves. It should gain its legitimacy from fair electoral systems. It should also contain the views and opinions from multiple parties. Finally, parliament should incentivise MPs to act with their conscience and stand up for the interests of their constituents, rather those of their party. The UK parliament ultimately fails all of these tests. This episode is dedicated to the memory of James Furlong RIP.
Regardless of one’s position on Brexit, the last four years has taught us that the use of referendums in the UK is in need of reform. While referendums can legitimate policy, they divide communities. Their impact on participation varies and, perhaps most importantly, they have huge potential to mislead and to threaten minority rights. Referendums are also a threat to representative democracy. They can entrench what needs to be overturned and delay what should be speeded up. In short, referendums are an entirely unsuitable way of making political decisions. While the listener may not agree, the purpose of The A Level Politics Show is to model persuasive argument so that students’ essays take up positions, dismiss views they disagree with and exude opinion. So if you get to the end of this podcast and feel angry then good! Politics should make you feel something - your essays must too.
How should the United States Supreme Court arrive at decisions? Should it look to the founding fathers and take a literal approach, treating the US constitution as a dead piece of parchment? Or should it accept the flaws in the founding documents, as well as in those who created them, and take a more flexible view? Justice Scalia posed the question, “Who made you king?” when referring to activist judges who “read between the lines” to find new rights. Yet, ultimately, the answer to that question is that founding fathers did, by creating a system that was rigid and difficult to change, thrusting the court into the unenviable position of umpire.
Michael Foley argued that prime ministers seek to separate themselves from the forces of constraint, be it parliament, cabinet or their own party. Yet most prime ministers are seldom able to stay on their lofty perch for long. Rival power centres, inept leadership and poorly handled events will do for any prime minister and even for ones with a modicum of popularity. The parliamentary system isn’t built for a president, although few prime ministers appear to have been informed, and continue to act like West Wing fanboys while in office.
While two parties dominate vote share and seat share in parliament, popularity is only one measure of a party system. Several parties have influenced policy over the last decade, most notably UKIP but also the Brexit Party and the DUP. Should we therefore judge a party system by policy influence, or who controls the executive? If the latter is the case, the UK has only one dominant party. Yet it is important get out of the Westminster bubble. The devolved bodies with proportional voting systems lend credence the idea that the two party system theory is not applicable to the whole of the UK.
Defenders of the Electoral College argue that, to coin a recent Trumpian phrase, the cure might worse than the disease. Yet surely there are better alternatives than allowing the loser to win. Clinton won three million more votes than Trump in 2016, but the current arrangements barred her from becoming the first female president. Trump’s appeal to base instincts and to white nationalism are exactly the things that the founding fathers feared. It was why they created the Electoral College in the first place - to protect the people from themselves. Yet it turned out the people were wiser than the Electoral College, which gave us nativism (Trump) instead of wise albeit flawed experience (Clinton). If The Electoral College cannot serve its purpose it should either be scrapped (unlikely) or manipulated (possible) in such a way to ensure that the winner of the popular vote always becomes president. One alternative, the NPVIC, gives us that assurance and deserves our consideration. Whether anyone can understand it is another matter!
Modern and Classical Liberals might well place greater emphasis on the individual than the “common good”, but they are at odds over the usefulness of that society in helping individuals to realise their potential. On the one hand, Classical Liberals see societal pressure as deeply constraining, while on the other Modern Liberals believe that individuals can only be truly free if enabling conditions exist for that to happen.
The primaries and caucus system in the US is undoubtedly an improvement on what came before, where party candidates were chosen in “smoked-filled rooms”, but that’s not saying much. The role of money and the media, both of which are needed to appeal to a mass electorate, has not resulted in the testing of presidential qualities. Instead, it’s all about the message. Thankfully, there are some reforms that might help. Removing caucuses, super delegates and closed primaries could all improve the current process and lend greater legitimacy to the candidates who go on to compete in the general election.
There are many arguments against giving certain minority groups “preferential treatment”. It is, critics claim, unAmerican, unfair, unnecessary and unworkable. I argue that none of these criticisms have merit, especially so in America. Indeed, the case for affirmative action is stronger than ever, given the institutionalised racism of the US justice system and the permissive culture of white nationalism that has been promulgated by Donald Trump.
I am delighted to welcome back Matthew Phillips to the show, whose phone line manages to behave up to the second segment, yet appears to self isolate for the grand finale. For the sake of debate, I take the side that the court is too powerful, but I agree with my esteemed colleague that the UK judiciary is only as powerful as Parliament lets it be. The creation of the UKSC did bestow upon top judges newfound prestige... but little else in the way of power. Oh, and well done Nayan Patel, whose imagery of the man standing up to the tanks in Tiananmen Square is ably reenacted with Lego. You are the winner of the Lego political landmark/event creation contest. Thus, the icon for this episode is adorned with your winning entry. Well done!
In this episode, we consider the theory of where power lies, both legally and formally, and the political reality of where decisions are actually taken. The Covid-19 outbreak has understandably seen crisis management centralised in the hands of the prime minister and the cabinet. Yet don’t discount Parliament just yet. The fact is that sovereignty has multiple locations. It is a moveable feast. We hope you like the new icon - a Lego White House built by my own fair hands (aided with instructions from the Lego company itself). If, during this time of home learning, you would like to build a political landmark out of Lego (or any material for that matter) do send me a picture by tweeting @nickdesouza. The best pic gets to be The A Level Politics Show icon for a week. Whoop whoop!
Boris Johnson has insisted upon loyalty. His right hand man, Dominic Cummings, is whipping ministerial advisers into line. This situation is a far cry from the era of hung parliaments, when the cabinet re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Yet cabinet government is not dead, it is merely sleeping. It shall awake when circumstances are conducive. The experience of Thatcher, that most domineering of PMs, should serve as a warning sign to those who choose to ignore their cabinet. After all, her own cabinet effectively signed off her on downfall.
The founding fathers gave many powers to Congress in a bid to overcome tyranny. Yet many of these checks are either underused or abused for political gain. Furthermore, the increase in partisanship has stymied attempts to properly investigate the executive branch, as Trump’s recent impeachment acquittal demonstrates. Granted, a divided government is likely to make better work of scrutinising presidential actions, but more often than not united government, along with other circumstances, are likely to give the advantage to the occupant in the White House.
The House of Commons and House of Lords both have a range of tools with which to hold government to account, most notably the various forms of questioning that takes place on the floors of both chambers and the valuable committee work takes place off from them. Yet the House of Lords is hindered by its lack of legitimacy and the restrictions placed upon it, and with the restoration of a large majority in the House of Commons, the advantage now rests with the executive.
The appointment process for a Supreme Court justice starts with politicians and ends with politicians. The power of judicial review and the inability to overturn them, unless through the unlikelihood of a constitutional amendment, means that the nation’s top court is never far from controversy. Yet the limits it faces, not least from those filling its bench, means the Supreme Court is rooted in a judicial response to the cases it hears. However, it’s impact, intended or otherwise, will always be political.
While most feminists accept that the state can play a role in ending gender inequality, they disagree on how the state should go about it, and some even question whether they should even try. Most feminists, however, believe that women’s liberation cannot be imposed without women taking action themselves to bring it about.
At its best, the devolved bodies established after 2017 have enhanced local decision making, tested fairer electoral systems and promoted representative democracy. Yet it is also right to acknowledge that asymmetry, coupled with the long-standing Barnet formula, has not produced universal love for the new political landscape.
The 2019 General Election again showed that a person’s age is a good indicator of how they vote. Yet class is perhaps just as important in determining election strategy. There are of course some social factors that don’t appear to matter at all. It would also be foolhardy to ignore non-social factors, particularly valence. Image is not everything but it is most things. Ultimately, each election is decided by a unique set of factors. After all, Brexit wasn’t an issue in 1979! And the young voted Tory in 1983. (PAPER 1)
It is tempting to look at the impeachment charges levied against President Trump - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - as evidence that an all-powerful, imperial presidency exists that is associated with illegality and secrecy. Yet the fact that Trump is about to be impeached is the best argument against that argument. Too many constitutional constraints exist to allow for an imperial presidency. Power is not fixed. It varies according to approval ratings, the type of government, national events and electoral mandates. (PAPER 3)
How do we judge representation? Try these questions on for size: Does Congress look like America? Do elections change anything? Are a broad range of interests and ideas reflected in the two chambers, and what exactly do members of Congress do for ordinary people? The answer to the first three questions is no, and the answer to the last one is not enough. (PAPER 3)
While traditionally the states in the US had far greater control over their affairs than the regions in the UK, devolution is beginning to change things. Scotland, in particular, is no longer playing nice with Westminster. While in the US, federal institutions have as much chance as influencing policy as the states. (PAPER 3)
In this episode, we answer a poorly worded and convoluted question: Evaluate the view that media influence and opinion polls are significant determinants of voting behaviour and public policy. While print media, television and opinion polls all have a role to play, the part played by social media has grown significantly. The 2019 general election will reinforce that trend. (PAPER 1)
While FPTP is held up as promoting strong government and stability, the evidence of the past few years has shown otherwise. While the 2019 General Election may yet see a return to strong, single party government with a clear mandate, the alternatives on offer would provide the UK with a chance to heal the wounds of Brexit. The electoral system we currently have cannot sever us from tribalism. Rather, it is the cause of it. Thus, electoral reform is an idea whose time has come. (PAPER 1)
It used to be taken as read that a member of Congress would vote the way the folks back home told them to. The lure of pork-barrel politics and of earmarking - supporting a bill in return for federal funds - perpetuated the idea that all that drove members of Congress was re-election. Yet with earmark reform and the continued corrosiveness of gerrymandering, satisfying constituents became less essential. Instead, the greatest concern to members of the House of Representatives now comes from the threat of a primary challenge. Thus, the need to satisfy the party and to brandish ideological credentials has usurped constituent pressure as the most important factor in how a politician casts their vote. (PAPER 3)
The “Old” and “New” Labour factions of the Labour Party existed long before Tony Blair coined the names. Indeed, the Attlee government was riven with internal divides, as the resignation of Nye Bevan showed. Yet Corbyn’s elevation as party leader reflects a broader trend, perhaps started by Blair himself when he pressurised his chancellor to spend more on the NHS, of a Labour Party that is moving to the left, where it will likely stay for some time to come. (Paper 1)
Even Rand support the need for a state, while admittedly she argued that the “strong state is the small state”. Nearly all conservatives believe in a central authority that keeps the peace. Yet when it comes to economic matters, the differences start to emerge. (PAPER 1)
In this episode, Nick goes through his checklist of tips for producing fine work. Source questions can be tricky to plan and even harder to deliver. The key is to ensure that you highlight the arguments that you personally agree with and pit them against the arguments that you don’t. Then let the battle commence!
The founding fathers believed that the US constitution and its elaborate set of checks and balances would encourage compromise and bipartisanship. Yet the ideological distance between the two main parties and an utter refusal to compromise on even the most basic proposals has lead to gridlock, bitterness and dysfunction. It is one of the major reasons why the US constitution simply doesn’t work anymore. (PAPER 3)
Gordon Brown once said of David Cameron that “The more he talks, the less he says”. What he might have been alluding to is the lip service that all Tories pay to One Nation principles or “compassionate conservatism”, just as leaders in India give a nod and a wink to socialism. Yet the evidence of the past decade points to a rightward shift on economics and on service provision, while Brexit has empowered the neo-conservative wing of the party to the detriment of centrist schools of thought.
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament to be unlawful, we look at whether the 11 unelected judges of the UK’s top court are too powerful. Nick strongly argues that they are simply doing their job. It is not the courts that are acting like despots, but the prime minister.
It is conventional wisdom that the US constitution is difficult to change while the UK’s uncodified and unentrenched arrangements are more flexible. Yet the truth is somewhat muddier. The power of the US Supreme Court means that the US constitution is routinely updated through judicial interpretation. Meanwhile, the use of referendums to create new institutions in the UK, the most notable being the Scottish Parliament, makes it politically impossible to abolish them. Thus, the two constitutions are more similar than one might think. The US system is capable of change, while the UK system has greater rigidity than is billed.
How powerful are pressure groups and what are the factors that affect their success? Nick examines whether insider status is really that important. He also suggests that while money is handy, sound leadership is even more useful. Finally, while public support is important, government support is critical to the success of any cause. Happy to report that no rebellion became extinct during the making of this podcast, which is hardly surprising since we mention Extinction Rebellion on a number of occasions, along with 20 -odd other campaigns.
The Senate has huge influence over shaping the makeup of the US Supreme Court and in approving other presidential appointments. It gets involved in foreign affairs and its members can literally talk a bill to death. Yet the House of Representatives still matters hugely as a result of its co-equal legislative power. Therefore, it is wrong to claim that one chamber is significantly more powerful than the other. That said, the Senate has greater prestige. Senators enjoy a national profile that is the envy of their colleagues in the House.
The FTPA has many enemies, all of whom stand to benefit if it is scrapped or circumvented. Nick argues that from ending it, we should be mending it.
We discuss whether direct or representative democracy is better. The former might give elites a bloody nose but can also intimidate minorities, while the latter might allow for compromise yet can create an aloof political class. Referendums are not the answer, but Nick argues that other forms of direct democracy could complement representative institutions and strengthen democratic legitimacy.
“Eek!” Comparative analysis questions. “Oh dear!” Rights. We take two things that teachers and students stay up late panicking about and, hopefully, prevent any nightmares. We take a look at those awkward 12 mark questions (Edexcel exam board) and give plenty of tips on how to approach them, and then compare the arrangements for protecting rights in both the US and UK. To do this, we break it down into constitutional, judicial and political protection and model how you ought to approach writing your answers.
To what extent do Socialists agree about the means and ends? Nick is joined by his comrade at Reigate College, Matthew Phillips, to discuss, amongst other things, how to ensure your teeth remain as white as Tony Blair’s. Don’t worry, it will all make sense when you give us a listen.
In our previous podcast we looked at the problems in UK democracy and so it is only right to look at some of the potential solutions to those flaws. We examine the voting age and whether it should be lowered, compulsory voting and convenience voting. We also get into the weeds of e-democracy. While Nick agrees that some of these measures may improve participation, the elephant in the room is the electoral system. Fix that, and good things will follow.
The late, great Neill McNaughton defined a democratic deficit as “features of the political system which do not conform to, or fall short of, the normal criteria for a true democracy.” It is therefore important to understand what the features or criteria for democracy ought to be and to judge the UK political system against them. Is there enough pluralism? Are elections free and fair? Are several forms of democracy present, including direct, liberal and representative, and do they complement each other? Do people participate in politics and accept that the government has legitimacy? Nick argues that if we judge the UK by posing these sorts of questions, then it is fair to argue that it is indeed suffering from a democratic deficit, made even more so by the collision between direct and representative democracy in the EU referendum, which has laid bare all the faults of the UK political system.
Nick looks at whether all feminists think alike, posing the question: Is feminism a single doctrine? Well, feminists agree on a few things, but be in little doubt that this is a very divided ideology.
Nick looks at the inbuilt tension between the US government and the 50 states. We delve into “elastic clauses” and their opposition in the form of the tenth amendment. We also examine the impact of Trump upon the federal-state relationship, as well as Supreme Court decisions.
Nick is joined by Matthew Phillips to debate whether the UK should adopt a US-style codified constitution. While mimicking America is not fancied by either host, there are certainly lessons to be learned from many other countries. Avoiding an overly powerful executive and protecting rights can be achieved by moving away from the UK’s un-entrenched arrangements. But who would write the document? This show was recorded in 2017 when The A Level Politics Show was very young indeed. Forgive our talks about tea and hotdogs - we knew not of what we were doing.
In this legacy episode recorded in 2017, Matthew and Nick debate the House of Lords and come to different conclusions about whether to reform it. We discuss whether legitimacy actually matters compared to much of the good work that is performed by the UK’s upper chamber. (PAPER 2)
Is there a participation crisis in UK politics? Nick examines the various forms of political participation that are available to citizens in the UK, ranging from voting to completing e-petitions. He argues that while some forms of participation are on the decline, others are on the up. Reports of its death have therefore been grossly exaggerated. As a heads up, apologies if you can hear lawnmowers, text messaging and snoring cats. We really have to find a recording studio. (PAPER 1)
Nick takes issue with how rights are protected in the UK, dismissing the idea that the country’s rights-based culture is strong enough to withstand the draconian tendencies of powerful governments. (PAPER 1)
Nick examines whether the checks and balances contained in the US constitution are effective in avoiding tyranny and in encouraging bypartisanship. He argues that they do neither. (PAPER 3)
After the Lib Dem victory in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election, held as a result of a successful recall petition of its MP Chris Davies, Nick looks more closely at whether the Recall of MPs Act 2015 is beginning to find its feet. (PAPER 1)
Nick considers the problem of parties that are over reliant on rich financial backers. Would state funding resolve this issue? (PAPER 1)
We return to the issue of prime ministerial power, and whether the UK’s 77th prime minister, Boris Johnson, will be able to utilise the tools of office to dominate the political system. Nick argues that the prospects are bleak. (PAPER 2)
In this first episode of our new series, Nick delves into liberalism (PAPER 1), and whether modern and classical liberals agree about the role of the state. We also touch upon some all important exam technique for the 24 mark questions on ideologies (Edexcel specification).