User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21M.2.BP.TZ2.17
Level Both SL and HL Paper Paper 2 - first exams 2017 Time zone TZ2
Command term Discuss Question number 17 Adapted from N/A

Question

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

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

Markscheme

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.

Examiners report

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.

Syllabus sections

World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000) » The development of democratic states » Factors influencing the evolution of democratic states: immigration; ideology; economic forces; foreign influences
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000) » The development of democratic states
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 9. Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000)
World history topics: first exams 2017

View options