AO1 (5 marks)/AO2 (15 marks)

Marking instructions

Markers must apply the descriptors in line with the general marking guidance and the qualities outlined in the levels-based mark scheme below.

Responses that demonstrate only AO1 without any AO2 should be awarded marks as follows:

Level 1 AO1 performance: 1 mark
Level 2 AO1 performance: 2 marks
Level 3 AO1 performance: 3 marks
Level 4 AO1 performance: 4–5 marks

Indicative content guidance

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all of it. Other relevant material not suggested below must also be credited. Relevant points may include:

AO1

globalisation reduces the decision-making power of national governments, especially in terms of their economic policies as nation states are bound by international agreements over trade, capital flows and in the case of the EU labour movements
as globalisation has developed so too has the number of nation states as there has been a significant growth of tax-haven states as a direct result of globalisation
there has been overt resistance to globalisation from some governments

AO2

sovereignty involves the power to make decisions within a given area and there can be significant reductions in sovereignty whilst retaining the integrity of national borders
historically, regions and local areas have lost sovereignty to central governments and that is partially replicated globally but language and cultural differences impedes the complete integration of states
the ‘importance’ of sovereignty is open to several different interpretations – importance for who and for what?
given that globalisation is a contested term with distinctive and controversial processes attached to it, e.g. privatisation and free trade, it provokes a varied response within nation states
from the point of view of TNCs, national sovereignty is certainly less important – in fact something of an obstacle when national governments intrude on their operations
national sovereignty has also been a reaction to globalisation as well as a consequence in states that have wanted to develop a new global model
migration is seen by some as a consequence of globalisation which stimulates an active and contentious debate over national sovereignty and the role of borders
reactions to globalisation also involve attempts to create states within super-states to preserve cultural and ethnic distinctiveness
the growth of tax haven ‘mini-states’ is a direct consequence of globalisation and an example of the increasing importance of ‘sovereignty’ with secrecy over their banking and focal arrangements

16- 20 Marks Level Description:

Demonstrates accurate and relevant geographical knowledge and understanding throughout. (AO1)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to find fully logical and relevant connections/relationships. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to produce a full and coherent interpretation that is supported by evidence. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to come to a rational, substantiated conclusion, fully supported by a balanced argument that is drawn together coherently. (AO2)

Threats to National Sovereignty (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Topic Questions