Paper 3 US

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The exam at a glance
Section A

Comparative 12-markers

Compare the US and the UK. Examine asks for direct comparison; Analyse asks you to use a comparative theory. Three developed points, both countries in each, no introduction or conclusion.

Section B

30-mark US essays

Answer on US politics. One clear line of argument held to the end, three themes that weigh both sides, and a final judgement that matches your opening. Named examples and theories earn the marks.

The specification

Six content areas

This is the whole US side of Paper 3. Each area also has a UK comparison running through it.

1

The Constitution and federalism

A codified, entrenched constitution; separation of powers; the amendment process; the changing balance between national and state government.

Key debate: is it still fit for purpose, and is it now too hard to amend?
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2

Congress

The House and the Senate; making law, representation and oversight; the power of the purse; how effective it is against the President.

Key debate: is Congress still an effective check, or gridlocked and partisan?
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3

The Presidency

Formal powers in Article II; informal powers and the office around the President; relations with Congress and the Court.

Key debate: imperial or imperilled? How constrained is the President really?
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4

The Supreme Court and civil rights

Judicial review; appointments and confirmation; activism versus restraint; the protection of civil rights.

Key debate: has the Court become too powerful and too political?
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5

Democracy and participation

Elections and the Electoral College; parties and how they are organised; interest groups; voting behaviour.

Key debate: is the Electoral College fit for purpose, and does money decide elections?
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6

Comparative theories

The rational, cultural and structural approaches, used to explain the differences between US and UK politics.

Key debate: which theory best explains a given difference between the two systems?
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Revise
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Revise Together (the deck)

All six topics in one deck: knowledge checks, the three branches builder, and 12 and 30-mark practice. This is where the live session runs.

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Three branches builder

Drag the institutions, jobs, powers, checks and examples into the right branch. Then practise the comparison.

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Question roulette

A random weighted exam question, with a hint and the best examples to reach for.

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Predicted questions

Our best read on the questions most likely in 2026, US and Global, with notes and plans.

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Theme generator

Build essay themes for any Paper 3 question, US or Global.

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Revising Thing

Flashcards, examples and a 20-question test for Paper 3.

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Grids

Quick drills that build one idea at a time.

Notes and essays
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Topic notes

The full notes for all six areas, with definitions, examples, examiner insight and a section test you can tick off.

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Essay ladders

Whole-essay ladders for the predicted 30-mark US questions, built step by step.

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Key examples sheet

Ten exam-ready examples for every content area, with what each one shows.

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Build the Paragraph

21 guided sets that build an exam paragraph step by step.

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David Clayton Tutoring | davidjclayton@proton.me