“Ideology was the most important influence on the evolution of democratic states.” Discuss with reference to two states, each from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that ideology was the most important influence on the evolution of democratic states. The two states must come from different regions. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two states or prioritize their assessment of one of them. However, both states will be a feature of the response. Candidates may discuss the Weimar Republic, where a liberal constitution, protected civil liberties, promoted gender equality and encouraged artistic freedom. They may refer to Nehru’s India, which was guided by socialist economic policies, while also establishing liberal principles, such as freedom of speech; or South Africa, where socialist economic and social reform, it may be argued, was compromised by corruption and single-party domination. In Alfonsín’s Argentina, ideology played little part in the face of economic crisis. Other relevant factors, such as immigration, economic forces and foreign influences may be addressed, but with a focus on the issue raised in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that ideology was the most important influence on the evolution of two democratic states, each chosen from a different region. There were very few responses seen to this question.