AQA
Explain the economic reasons for government spending.
(AQA, June 2008)
Evaluate the view that shortages in markets, such as those for water and health
care, can best be prevented by the operation of market forces rather than by government
intervention in markets.
(AQA, January 2008)
In recent years, the ‘Golden Rule’ in UK fiscal policy has required a balanced budget
to be achieved over the economic cycle. Evaluate the possible macroeconomic consequences
for the UK economy of such a requirement.
(AQA, January 2008)
Using the data and your economic knowledge, evaluate the contribution that growth
of government expenditure may make to UK economic performance.
(AQA, June 2007)
Explain the likely economic reasons for government borrowing.
(AQA, January 2007)
Evaluate the possible problems for the UK economy of increased government borrowing.
(AQA, January 2007)
In the 2003 Budget, the government indicated its intention to spend £456bn and raise
£428bn in taxation. Explain the possible reasons for government spending and for
the imposition of taxation other than to finance this spending.
(AQA, June 2004)
Analyse the benefits which might arise from sustained increases in public sector
spending.
(AQA, January 2004)
Evaluate the economic case for and against the government providing public goods,
such as national defence or policing.
(AQA, January 2003)
Explain the economic reasons why UK governments set up agencies such as OFGEM to
regulate privatised industries.
(AQA, January 2003)
Discuss the case for and against removing controls on the prices charged by gas
and electricity companies.
(AQA, January 2003)
Edexcel
Evaluate the decision to abolish price controls on British Gas Trading, considering
the likely effects on competition and efficiency.
(Edexcel, January 2003)
Examine the view that “the regulatory approach has not proved all that effective”
in dealing with environmental issues”.
(Edexcel, Summer 2002)
Examine two possible policies to increase funding of higher education in the UK.
(Edexcel, Summer 2002)
Evaluate the argument that further measures to reduce inequality may have adverse
consequences for work incentives.
(Edexcel, Summer 2002)
Discuss the reasons why future state provision of healthcare will be subject to
growing pressures. Outline the economic implications of these pressures.
(Edexcel, January 2002)
Examine arguments for and against private health insurance making a greater contribution
to covering the costs of healthcare.
(Edexcel, January 2002)
OCR
Discuss the consequences for the UK economy of a rising ‘tax burden’.
(OCR, January 2008)
Discuss the likely effects on consumers of operating a railway system as a public
sector monopoly.
(OCR, January 2003)
Explain why the rail industry in the UK was privatized. Discuss the impact of privatization
for passengers and freight services.
(OCR, January 2002)
Explain the main causes of inequalities, in both income and wealth, in the UK.
(OCR, January 2002)
Discuss the view that government policies have been unsuccessful in narrowing the
gap between rich and poor in the UK.
(OCR, January 2002)
