USA - Political System Flashcards
(4 cards)
Describe the powers of the president (8)
One power of the president is being head of state. This means that he makes treaties and deals and he is also the public representative of the USA. Evidence of this is when he travelled to Japan for the G7 summit in 2023, and spoke with other leaders about providing financial and military aid to Ukraine
Another power of the president is that he can create executive orders. This means that he can take action on issues he feels strongly about. Evidence of this is when Biden signed an executive order that aimed to protect access to reproductive healthcare.
Another power of the president is that he is commander-in-chief. This means that he can order the use of troops overseas and access the countries military assets. Evidence of this is when Biden gave funds and weapons to Ukraine to help with the war effort.
Describe the limitations of the presidents power (8)
One limitation of the president’s power is in his role as chief legislator. This means that, although he can veto bills, Congress can override this veto with a 2/3 majority in both the House of Representatives and in the House of Senate. Evidence of this is when Congress overturned Trump’s veto of a defence spending bill in January 2021.
Another limitation of the president’s power is in his role of head of state. Although he can discuss and negotiate treaties, only Congress can pass them. Evidence of this is the G7 meeting for world leaders in 2023, where he only had a portion of input made towards the discussion which is pre-determined by Congress.
Another limitation of the President power is in his role as chief executive. This means that the Supreme Court make the decisions and laws and he can only uphold them. Evidence of this is when Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade.
Describe the US political system (8)
One aspect of the US political system is the legislative of branch. This means that laws are passed in Congress, made up of two houses. Evidence of this is a legislation passed 2023 that strengthened gun safety laws in some US states, making it so that dangerous individuals cannot conceal guns in public.
Another aspect of the US political system is the judiciary branch. This means that the Supreme Court has the ultimate power over all federal court cases. Evidence of this is when they overturned Roe V Wade.
Another aspect of the US political system is the executive branch. This means that the president is the head of state, leader of federal government, and commander in chief of the US armed forces and the vice president supports him. Evidence of this is that he is head of national security and can send troops overseas.
Describe the some rights that US citizens have (8)
One right that US citizens have is the right to stand for election. This means they can choose to represent their area and take part in helping in the running of the country. Evidence of this is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the House of Representatives since 2019.
One right that US citizens have is the right to protest. This means that they are free to profess their opinions publicly. Evidence of this was the Black Lives Matter movement, prominent in 2020.
One right that US citizens have is the have the right to vote. This means that they have input on what happens in their country. Evidence of this is the Presidential election that takes place every 4 years.
