Is there anything in particular you think makes a really excellent essay?
What are the characteristics of a 20/20 essay, or an 18-19/20 essay?
A clear contention which acknowledges the intricacies of the question. In national politics there is no straight forward answer and many students fall into the trap of providing superficial responses.
For example: If the question asks "Which is more democratic US v. Australia pol systems"
- A good essay would distinguish between which system is better in theory and which is better in practice. For example, Bill of rights, great in theory but in practice, PATRIOT act gets through... is it really the safety net that it is supposed to be?
- Would acknowledge that both democratic systems aim to achieve different ends, for example, US on a checks and balance system Australia on accountability (hence Separation of powers versus non separation of powers)
- goes about achieving democratic principles in totally different ways, which in a sense, makes them different and incomparable the whole apples v oranges. For example, representation: Australia we have compulsory voting, we have a far stronger electoral system and very few people are disenfranchised. Contrast that to the US, terrible electoral system, but in congress there is no party discipline and multiple caucuses which means the individual electorate is represented. Which one is more representative? hard to say, although I'd conclude on Australia. Also, need to acknowledge the different political cultures of the countries, US independence vs. Australian monarchy and the influence/implications that has had on democracy
Hope this helps, again, it was a very quick response.
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