Usa Flashcards
(17 cards)
Describe, in detail, three key political features of the world power you have studied
The world power I have studied is the USA
P: The legislator
E: Also known as congress. Roles such as writing federal laws, setting how much is to be paid in tax and also scrutinising the executive (president)
E Recently, Congress implemented the PAWS act (Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members) for veterans therapy to assist former soldiers improve their mental health through dog companions
P: Executive
E: Also known as the President. Number of roles such as running the federal onvernment leadino armed forces selecting judges to sit on supreme court and signing off all bills passed by congress into law.
E: Joe Biden as president of the USA had ordered military support to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, he also travelled the world to represent the the US at events such as CO in Glasgow
P:The judiciary
E: Knows as the supreme court. The highest court in the USA, job is to ensure everyone is following the laws as set in the constitution and settle disputes. Any Us citizen can take part of the government to this court
E: Most recent rulings was to prevent
LGBTQ+ from being fired from their work and to ban the government from stopping people praying in government run
Describe, in detail, two political rights that citizens have in a world power you have studied
The world power I have studied is the USA
P: The right to join a political party E:By registering as a democrat or a republican, voters can participate in primary elections which are apart of the process of choosing a candidate for president from those party members
E: Republicans had Donald Trump as their 2024 presidential candidate
P: Right to join an interest group
E: A group which puts pressure on government to amend or introduce laws in support of their cause. Members participate in marches and demonstrations, organise petitions, letter complaints, media awareness and organise petitions
E: The NRA called for teachers to be armed to prevent school shootings
Explain, in detail, why some groups are under-represented in a world power you have studied
The world power I have studied is the USA
P: Women (1)
E: Due to sexism. Women are reluctant to put them selves forward as candidates as the media focuses on women’s looks and fashion rather than beliefs.
E: Only ever been two female presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Both were unsuccessful
P: Women, because of incumbency effect (2)
E: Idea that once in office, it is easier to be re-elected
E: 75% of congress are male
P: Those with less wealth
E: Not equal as running for president is very expensive. Have a better chance at becoming candidate if wealthy as you have access to rich donors
E: Former NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg ran for Democratic presidential nomination in 2022 and spent 1 billion dollars of his own befour dropping out
Explain, in detail, the reasons why some groups are more likely to participate in politics than others. (8 marks)
The world power I have studied is the USA.
P- Retired Americans are more likely to participate in politics as they understand the importance of the right to vote.
E- 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.
E-For example, around 80% of the over 60s voted in 2020 presidential election compared to around 50% of those under 30.
P- More educated Americans are more likely to participate in politics as they will have a better understanding of US politics.
E- 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.
E- 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.
P-White Americans are more likely to participate in political activities such as voting as they have benefitted more than any other group.
E- In the USA, this group has always had the vote, so it nas been more traditional for them to turnout for elections.
E-For example, over 70% of White Americans voted in contrast to around 65% of Black Americans in 2020..
Explain, in detail, the reasons why some groups are less likely to
participate in politics than others.
P- Young Americans may be less likely to participate in political
activities as they may be disengaged from political matters.
E- 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.
E-In 2020, around 50% of under 30s voted, compared to
over 80% of over 60s.
P-Another group less likely to participate in politics is black
Americans.
E-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.
E-For example, in the 2020 presidential election only 65% of Black Americans voted.
P- Less educated people may be less likely to participate in political activities as they may not understand the complexity of the
American political system.
E- 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.
E-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)
The world power I have studied is the USA.
P- One group which is under-represented in the USA is women.
E- 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.
E- For example, only 28% of those elected to Congress are women.
P- Another group that is under-represented in the USA is those with less wealth.
E- 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.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US may seek to influence other countries to promote democracy and human rights.
E- 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.
E- The US has supported pro-democracy movements in countries like Venezuela, providing aid and diplomatic backing to opposition
leaders challenging authoritarian regimes.
P- The US may want to influence other countries to protect its economic interests.
E- The US wants to maintain access to resources and ensure stable markets for American businesses.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US has an economic influence on other countries because it has
created some of the most recognisable companies in the world.
E- 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.
E- 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.
P- The US has an economic influence as they can use economic
sanctions against other countries.
E- 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.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US can exert political influence through foreign aid.
E-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.
E- 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.
P- The US has political influence through its membership and leadership in international organisations.
E- 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.
E - 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US has had a military influence by supporting Ukraine in their war with Russia
E- . They have supplied equipment such as anti-armour and anti-aircraft munitions.
E- Since January 2021, the US has committed more than $13.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
P- The US can exert military influence through its global network of military bases.
E- 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.
E- 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)
The world power I have studied is the USA.
P- A reason why white people are more successful than others is
because of their higher levels of quality healthcare.
E- 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.
E- 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.
P- A reason why white people are more successful than others is
because they are more likely to secure stable and higher-paying jobs.
E- This is because they have systematic advantages such as access to better education and reduced likelihood of facing racial
discrimination in hiring practices.
E- 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)
The world power I have studied is the USA.
P- A reason why black Americans may experience social issues is
because they are more likely to suffer ill health.
E- 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.
E- 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.
P- Black people are less likely to be successful as they are more likely to
be unemployed.
E- Systemic racism, discrimination in hiring practices and unequal access to education have contributed to higher
unemployment rates among black Americans.
E- 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)
The world power I have studied is the USA.
P- Technological advancements have contributed to unemployment in
some sectors.
E- Automation has reduced the number of jobs available in industries like manufacturing, this mostly affects workers with
lower levels of education and specialised skills.
E- 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.
P- Limited access to affordable healthcare is a key reason for poor health outcomes in some communities.
E- The USA does not have universal healthcare, many people lack insurance or cannot afford
the high costs of medical care, leading to untreated conditions.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US government has been effective in tackling poverty through its government assistance programmes.
E- Initiatives such as the expanded
Child Tax Credit have provided financial relief to low-income families, lifting millions out of poverty.
E- A study by Columbia University
estimated that the expanded Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty
by 30% in 2021.
P- The US government has been effective in tackling health inequality
through passing laws and increasing funding for more equal health
access.
E- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility
and established insurance marketplaces, increasing healthcare
coverage for millions.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The U.S. government has been ineffective in addressing
unemployment among ethnic minorities.
E- Programmes like the
American Rescue Plan Act aimed to create jobs, the benefits were
not evenly distributed, and structural barriers remain.
E- In 2021, the
unemployment rate for Black Americans was nearly double that of
white Americans, highlighting persistent racial disparities.
P - The U.S. government has been ineffective in addressing healthcare
inequalities in the US as many struggle to access good quality
healthcare.
E- 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.
E- 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 world power I have studied is the USA.
P- The US government has attempted to tackle poverty through its government assistance programmes.
E- Initiatives such as the expanded
Child Tax Credit have provided financial relief to low-income families, lifting millions out of poverty
. E- A study by Columbia University
estimated that the expanded Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty
by 30% in 2021.
P- The US government has attempted to tackle health inequality
through passing laws and increasing funding for more equal health
access.
E- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility
and established insurance marketplaces, increasing healthcare
coverage for millions.
E- As of 2021, the ACA contributed to a significant decrease in the uninsured rate, particularly among low-income and
ethnic minorities
