World Powers (USA) Flashcards
(13 cards)
Identify the 3 Branches of Government
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Identify and Describe Methods of Participation
1) US Citizens have the right to vote in Elections. - Many opportunities to vote, 30 different roles to vote for (such as a Mayor, Member of Congress or President), Must be 18+ to vote, Constitution states voting rights cannot be limited on basis of sex race or gender.
in 2024, 77 million Americans Trump, 75 million Kamala.
2) US Citizens have the right to join Political Parties. 2 main parties Democrats and Republicans, Democrats think Government to look after people (Higher taxes to pay for schools & hospitals) , Republicans think people to look after themselves (Lower tax so people who work hard keep wealth).
Trump = Republican, Kamala = Democrat.
3) US Citizens have the right to Protest.
Express free speech, Protesters gather with banners & signs expressing opinions against a policy, decision or politician.
Killing of George Floyd, BLM movement, 26 mill people in US in 2020.
Identify and Describe Groups MORE likely to participate
1) Men - Well represented in US Politics, many male role models inspires other men to put themselves forward.
All US presidents have been Male, only 2 Female presidential candidates.
2) White People - Some states like Georgia need Photo ID to vote, since white people on higher income they can afford ID and can Participate.
70% of white cast a vote in 2020 election compared to 58% Non-White.
Identify and Describe Groups LESS likely to participate
1) Ethnic Minorities - Some states like Georgia need photo ID to vote, since ethnic minorities more likely on lower income so can’t afford ID and don’t Participate.
70% of white cast a vote in 2020 election compared to 58% Non-White.
2) Women - Underrepresented in US Politics, they see more men in power with sexist attitudes (like Trump) and so dont put themselves forward.
All US Presidents have been Male, Only 2 Female Presidential Candidates.
Identify and Describe Powers of the Executive Branch
1) Can Appoint a Justice - When a supreme court justice passes/retires president can appoint a new one as long as senate approves, Tend to appoint someone with similar views. In 2020, Trump appointed Republican Amy Barrett whose views align with Trumps (Pro-Guns).
2) Can Launch Executive Orders - They can Suggest Policies they want to introduce, they need to go through Legislative branch, or president can launch an Executive order which Bypasses Congress and comes to power easier.
One of Trumps executive orders banned people from Muslim countries entering USA, felt it would make it safer, protect from terrorists.
3) Is commander of US armed Forces - Make important decisions to defend USA, authorise plans/strikes, Need approval from Congress to invade another country.
Biden withdrew all troops from Afghanistan despite disagreement from top military Generals
Identify and Describe Powers of the Legislative Branch
1) Can Create laws applying to all 50 States - Congress made up of Senate and House of Representatives, Bills must pass both to become law, Even if passed President can (Veto) block a new law.
American Rescue Plan 2021, $1.9 trillion package passed by congress for a one off $1,400 payment to Poorer American Families to deal with effects of Covid-19.
2) Can decide government Budget - decide federal government budget each year, if legislative and executive can’t agree on budget then US government shuts down.
Trump determined to veto any budget that didn’t include $5.6 billion for wall on mexican border, Democrats thought it was unneeded and refused funding, government shut for 35 days until Trump backed down.
Identify and Describe Powers of the Judicial Branch
1) Can reject/Overturn laws - Block Legislation from Congress as well as Executive orders becoming law.
2022 Supreme court overturned Roe vs Wade which guaranteed women the right to abortion, States now have their own laws on abortion (Texas totally banned Abortion).
How are Women Under-represented in US politics?
Old fashioned/Sexist attitudes, responsible for childcare so have less opportunities. All presidents have been male and only 2 female presidential candidates.
How are Ethnic Minorities Under-represented in US politics?
Discrimination/Inequality, On average poorer education since they live in poorer areas, this means drop out early and don’t get qualifications to enter politics. Only one Black President (Barrack Obama).
How are Young People Under-represented in US politics?
Not interested/Age restrictions, People prefer the experience of older people so vote for them, age restrictions (must be 30 to be a senator and 35 to be president). 53% of congress are 59 - 68.
What is the Political Influence of the USA?
1) Can affect the behaviour of other countries in international organisations - US contributes 70% of NATO budget (Military alliance), Can use their financial power to pressure others. When other NATO leaders didn’t invest the agreed 2% of GDP he threatened to leave, Countries then paid $100 billion.
2) Can pass resolutions as part of the UN Security Council - UNSC responsible for maintaining international peace and security, Has power to pass resolutions that become international. US passed a resolution making countries sanction North Korea for nuclear weapon testing.
What is the Military Influence of the USA?
1) Other countries spend more to compete with America’s Military - Spend $916 more than any other country, Others compete by spending more on making their Military more powerful. China’s defence spending has doubled in a decade from $125 billion to nearly $300 billion.
2) Other countries enter & leave conflicts based on America’s decisions - Large, powerful military, other NATO members rely on their presence in international conflicts. In 2021 Joe Biden withdrew all US troops from Afghanistan and shortly after the UK did the same.
3) Military Influence by supporting Ukraine in the Russia/Ukraine conflict - US is top donor of Military aid to Ukraine supplying weapons and tanks. US has given $61 billion.
What is the Economic Influence of the USA?
1) US has created some of the most recognisable companies in the world - Companies like Apple and Amazon set up all over the world, lead to employment and profit. Amazon warehouse in Dunfirmline has 1,200 permanent workers, lots of income for Scots.
2) Can impose Sanctions - US has highest GDP in the world at over $20 trillion, Number 1 importer and exporter worldwide, essential to prosperity of some countries, can impose sanctions which can stop trade and lose money. US sanctioned Russia after they Invaded meaning they had less money to fund the war in Ukraine.
