usa Flashcards
(15 cards)
Describe, in detail, two political features of a world power that you have studied. (8 marks)
*This answer includes all three branches of the US government.
However, you would only need to write 2.
One feature of the US political system is the Legislator. This feature is also known as Congress which has important roles such as writing federal laws, setting how much is to be paid in tax and also scrutinising the Executive (President). For example, in recent years Congress has passed many laws such as in the PAWS Act (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans
Therapy Act to help former soldiers improve their mental health through the companionship of dogs.
Another feature of the US political system is the Executive. This feature is also known as the Office of the President and has a number of roles such as running
the federal government, leading the armed forces, selecting judges to sit on the Supreme Court and signing all bills passed by Congress into law. For example, J Donald Trump as President of the USA has…
A final feature of the US political system is the Judiciary. Known as the Supreme Court, it is the highest court in the US and its ultimate job of the Judiciary is to make sure that everyone in the US is following the laws as set out in the constitution and settle disputes. Any US citizen can take any part of the US government to court if they think the government has not followed the rules of the constitution. For example, some of its recent rulings have been to prevent LGBT+ people from being fired from their workplaces and ban the government from stopping people praying in government run buildings
Describe, in detail, two political rights that citizens have in a world power you have studied. (6 marks)
One political right that citizens have in the USA is the right to join a political party. By registering as a Democrat or a Republican, voters can participate in primary elections, which are part of the process of
choosing the party’s candidate for president. For example, members of the Republican party selected Donald Trump as their presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
Another political right that citizens have in the USA is the right to join an interest group. Interest groups put pressure on the government to amend or introduce laws in support of their cause. For example,
members participate in marches and demonstrations and organise petitions, letter campaigns, media campaigns and other forms of lobbying to gain public awareness and support
Explain, in detail, reasons why some groups are more likely to
participate in politics than others in a world power you have studied. (8 marks)
Retired Americans are more likely to participate in politics as they understand the importance of the right to vote. This may be because this generation, known as boomers, grew up after world war II which was known as a fight for democracy and freedom. For example,
around 80% of the over 60s voted in 2020 presidential election compared to around 50% of those under 30.
More educated Americans are more likely to participate in politics as they will have a better understanding of US politics. The political system is very complex in the USA and those without a high standard
of education may struggle to understand political matters. More educated citizens will also be more aware of the consequences of not taking part in activities such as voting. For example, over 70% of those who have been to college voted in 2020 compared to around
40% with less than a high school level of education.
White Americans are more likely to participate in political activities such as voting as they have benefitted more than any other group. In the USA, this group has always had the vote, so it has been more traditional for them to turnout for elections. For example, over 70% of White Americans voted in contrast to around 65% of Black Americans in 2020
Explain, in detail, reasons why some groups are less likely to
participate in politics than others in a world power you have studied. (8 marks)
Young Americans may be less likely to participate in political activities as they may be disengaged from political matters. This can be
because they believe that politicians in the past have not dealt with issues important to them such as the high cost of higher education. In 2020, around 50% of under 30s voted, compared to over 80% of
over 60s.
Another group less likely to participate in politics is black Americans. In some states there are restrictions which stop ex-prisoners from voting. This impacts blacks more than other groups as they are incarcerated at a higher rate that other ethnic groups. For example, in the 2020 presidential election only 65% of Black Americans voted.
Less educated people may be less likely to participate in political activities as they may not understand the complexity of the American political system. The US political system is very complicated and often
seems very dysfunctional. With so many people and roles to vote for it might be too much for less educated people to understand. For example, only 40% of people who have less than a high school education voted in the 2020 presidential election
Explain, in detail, two reasons why some groups are
underrepresented in a world power you have studied. (6 marks)
One group which is under-represented in the USA is women. One reason for this is because of sexism. Many women are reluctant to
put themselves forward as candidates because the media often focuses on their looks and fashion rather than their ideas and experience. For example, only 28% of those elected to Congress are women.
Another group that is under-represented in the USA is those with less wealth. Representation in politics is not equal as it is very expensive to stand as a candidate. Candidates have a better chance of electoral
success if they have access to wealthy donors. For example, in 2024 the Trump campaign cost approximately $1.5 billion
Explain two reasons why some world powers exert influence over other countries. (6 marks)
The US may seek to influence other countries to promote democracy and human rights. The US sees democratic governance as a way to
ensure global stability and create allies with shared values. By encouraging democratic institutions and protecting human rights abroad the US aims to create a world aligned with its ideals. The US has supported pro-democracy movements in countries like
Venezuela, providing aid and diplomatic backing to opposition
leaders challenging authoritarian regimes.
The US may want to influence other countries to protect its economic interests. The US wants to maintain access to resources and ensure
stable markets for American businesses. For example, the US has imposed tariffs and sanctions on China to counter what it perceives as unfair trade practices and to protect American industries.
Explain, in detail, two ways that the world power you have studied can have an economic influence. (6 marks)
The US has an economic influence on other countries because it has created some of the most recognisable companies in the world.
These companies and brands will set up branches in countries all over the world and this leads to employment and income for the host country. For example, in 2024 it was reported that since 2010, Amazon has contributed £3 billion to Scotland’s economy and
created around 3000 full and part time jobs across Scotland.
The US has an economic influence as they can use economic sanctions against other countries. Sanctions allow the US to restrict a country’s access to international trade, financial systems, and resources, applying pressure to change its policies or behaviour
without the need for military intervention. In 2023, the US imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector and financial institutions in response to ongoing aggression in Ukraine. These sanctions limited Russia’s ability to access global markets, putting pressure on its economy and leadership.
Explain, in detail, two ways that the world power you have studied can have a political influence. (6 marks)
The US can exert political influence through foreign aid. By providing financial assistance or resources to other countries, the US can strengthen diplomatic ties and promote its political agenda. This aid
often comes with conditions, such as implementing democratic reforms or supporting US-led initiatives and so can shape the recipient country’s policies. The US provides substantial foreign aid to Israel, strengthening their alliance and ensuring political alignment on issues in the Middle East, such as security and defence cooperation.
The US has political influence through its membership and leadership in international organisations. The US plays a prominent role in organisations like NATO and can shape global policies and decisions
to align with its interests. This allows the US to promote its values, such as democracy and human rights, on the international stage.
President Trump used the US influence to call for NATO’s member states to pay more into the defence budget as he believes they have become too reliant on the US.
Explain, in detail, two ways that the world power you have studied can have a military influence. (6 marks)
The US has had a military influence by supporting Ukraine in their war with Russia. They have supplied equipment such as anti-armour and anti-aircraft munitions. Since January 2021, the US has committed more than $13.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
The US can exert military influence through its global network of military bases. The US has over 750 military bases across more than 80 countries which means they can respond rapidly to crises and deter potential enemies. These bases also strengthen alliances and
partnerships by providing security guarantees to host nations. US military bases in South Korea serve as a deterrent against North
Korean aggression and symbolise the US commitment to protecting its allies in the region.
Explain, in detail, two reasons why some people are more socially and economically successful than others. (6 marks)
A reason why white people are more successful than others is
because of their higher levels of quality healthcare. The healthcare system in the US is very expensive which means that white Americans are more able to afford medical treatment which allows them to stay healthy enough to work and not suffer economic issues
such as unemployment and poverty. For example, studies have shown that black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be uninsured compared to white Americans. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation stated that uninsured rates among Hispanic adults in 2021 were three times higher than those of white adults.
A reason why white people are more successful than others is
because they are more likely to secure stable and higher-paying jobs. This is because they have systematic advantages such as access to better education and reduced likelihood of facing racial discrimination in hiring practices. The Economic Policy Institute found that white Americans had an unemployment rate consistently lower than black and Hispanic Americans, even during economic downturns.
Explain, in detail, two reasons why some people are less socially and economically successful than others. (6 marks)
A reason why black Americans may experience social issues is
because they are more likely to suffer ill health. Healthcare in the US is very expensive and often more focused on treating the needs of white patients (including in medical training and textbooks) meaning that black Americans struggle to access and get the healthcare
needed to be healthy enough to work. For example, black Americans are more likely to die younger (71) compared to White Americans who have an average life expectancy of 77 in the US.
Black people are less likely to be successful as they are more likely to be unemployed. Systemic racism, discrimination in hiring practices and unequal access to education have contributed to higher
unemployment rates among black Americans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Black Americans was consistently nearly twice that of white Americans in 2021.
Explain, in detail, two causes of socio-economic issues in the world power you have studied. (6 marks)
Technological advancements have contributed to unemployment in some sectors. Automation has reduced the number of jobs available in industries like manufacturing, this mostly affects workers with
lower levels of education and specialised skills. This has led to job losses and economic instability for many communities. The decline of
manufacturing jobs in the Rust Belt has left many regions with high unemployment rates and struggling local economies.
Limited access to affordable healthcare is a key reason for poor health outcomes in some communities. The USA does not have universal healthcare, many people lack insurance or cannot afford the high costs of medical care, leading to untreated conditions. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of Americans,
particularly low-income individuals, were uninsured, and many still face significant barriers to accessing necessary healthcare services.
Explain, in detail, two reasons why governments are effective in tackling social and economic issues. (6
The US government has been effective in tackling poverty through its government assistance programmes. Initiatives such as the expanded
Child Tax Credit have provided financial relief to low-income families, lifting millions out of poverty. A study by Columbia University estimated that the expanded Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty by 30% in 2021.
The US government has been effective in tackling health inequality through passing laws and increasing funding for more equal health access. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility
and established insurance marketplaces, increasing healthcare coverage for millions. As of 2021, the ACA contributed to a significant decrease in the uninsured rate, particularly among low-income and
ethnic minorities.
Explain, in detail, two reasons why governments are ineffective in tackling social and economic issues. (6)
The U.S. government has been ineffective in addressing
unemployment among ethnic minorities. Programmes like the
American Rescue Plan Act aimed to create jobs, the benefits were
not evenly distributed, and structural barriers remain. In 2021, the unemployment rate for Black Americans was nearly double that of white Americans, highlighting persistent racial disparities.
The U.S. government has been ineffective in addressing healthcare inequalities in the US as many struggle to access good quality healthcare. The Affordable Care Act expanded health coverage but millions remain uninsured due to gaps in Medicaid expansion in some states and high costs of private insurance. Over 25 million
Americans were still uninsured, disproportionately affecting low-
income and minority communities.
Describe, in detail, two ways in which world powers attempt to
tackle either social or economic issues. (6)
The US government has attempted to tackle poverty through its government assistance programmes. Initiatives such as the expanded
Child Tax Credit have provided financial relief to low-income families, lifting millions out of poverty. A study by Columbia University estimated that the expanded Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty by 30% in 2021.
The US government has attempted to tackle health inequality through passing laws and increasing funding for more equal health access. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility
and established insurance marketplaces, increasing healthcare coverage for millions. As of 2021, the ACA contributed to a significant decrease in the uninsured rate, particularly among low-income and ethnic minorities.
