| Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.2.BP.TZ0.9 |
| Level | Both SL and HL | Paper | Paper 2 - first exams 2017 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 9 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Evaluate the ways in which two 20th-century democratic states responded to the challenges posed by either ethnic or religious groups.
Markscheme
Candidates are required to consider the ways in which two democracies approached challenges that arose from the presence of different ethnic or religious groups within the state. The groups may represent a majority or a minority of the population and the ways in which the democracies addressed the challenges may be both positive and negative.
Indicative content
Ethnicity
- In some countries, for example post-imperial or post-colonial countries, ethnic diversity may have challenged the legitimacy of the state that may have been established according to the principle of self-determination based upon a homogenous national group.
- In others states, the immigration of ethnic groups may have caused destabilization and interethnic conflict.
- Ethnic groups may have suffered discrimination and disadvantage, due to being underrepresented in a democratic system that favoured the majority.
- The ways in which the state responded to such challenges may have included: ensuring the political representation of ethnic groups; legislation to protect and promote ethnic languages and culture; legislation that outlawed racial/ethnic discrimination; educational policies that encouraged the recognition of a country’s ethnic diversity.
Religion
- In some countries, there were clashes between the state and religious bodies over particular issues such as divorce, abortion and gay rights.
- In some countries, religious belief had an impact on political debate with the religion of politicians having a significant impact on electoral success. There may even have been the adoption of a state religion.
- Alternatively, some democracies were clear and determined in their secularism. Candidates may consider the reasons for this, and the degree of success achieved.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
[20 marks]
