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Date May 2019 Marks available 15 Reference code 19M.2.BP.TZ1.18
Level Both SL and HL Paper Paper 2 - first exams 2017 Time zone TZ1
Command term Discuss Question number 18 Adapted from N/A

Question

Topic 9: Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000)

“The development of democracy led to significant social reform.” Discuss with reference to two democratic states.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that democracy led to significant social reform in two states. The two states may be drawn from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two states or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both states will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the role played by democratic development in educational reform, discussing for example how far education was extended across all racial groups in post-apartheid South Africa, or reforms of health services such as the National Health Service in the United Kingdom (where universal free healthcare was established), or Medicare in the US (a much more limited reform). There may be discussion of the extent of provision of welfare to the unemployed or the sick. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

Examiners report

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that democracy led to significant social reform in two states.

Syllabus sections

World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000) » Impact of democracy on society » Social and economic policies and reforms: education; social welfare; policies towards women and minorities; the distribution of wealth
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000) » Impact of democracy on society
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000)
World history topics: first exams 2017

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