Modern Studies USA

• What is the main topic of the discussion in the study material?

  The opportunities for people to influence government decision making in the USA
• What is the significance of voting in the context of influencing government decisions?

  Voting allows American citizens to participate in elections at federal, state, and local levels
• How does voting for state governors illustrate citizen influence in government?

  Citizens vote for state governors, such as Phil Scott in Vermont, impacting state leadership
• What role do political parties play in American government decision making?

  Political parties provide Americans the opportunity to influence government through party membership
• Which two political parties have historically held major political offices in the USA?

  The Democrats and the Republicans
• How have advocacy groups impacted American politics in recent years?

  Advocacy groups have gained prominence and highlighted key issues, leading to changes in policy
• What example illustrates the influence of the NRA in American politics?

  The NRA supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign and contributed $30 million to the Republicans
• What does the control of the House of Representatives by Republicans after the 2022 midterms suggest about citizen influence?

  It suggests that advocacy groups can significantly impact election outcomes and government control
• How does voting in ballot initiatives empower citizens?

  Voting in ballot initiatives allows citizens to directly influence decisions, such as legalizing marijuana in California
• What is voter fatigue and how does it affect participation in elections?

  Voter fatigue occurs when voters become tired of frequent elections, leading to decreased turnout
• What was the voter turnout percentage in the 2020 Presidential election?

  66.9%
• What is the growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system in the USA?

  Many people feel that the two-party system does not represent their true feelings, especially younger citizens
• What does a July 2022 report indicate about young people's sentiments towards political parties?

  Negative sentiment was a major factor in why many young people joined the Democrats and Republicans
• What limitations do advocacy groups face in influencing government decisions?

  Not all advocacy groups have the same funding or membership, which limits their influence
• How does the funding of advocacy groups affect their ability to influence politicians?

  Groups with less funding may go unnoticed and struggle to effect change, despite media recognition
• What example illustrates the limitations faced by the Black Lives Matter movement?

  Despite its recognition, Black Lives Matter struggles with funding and direct influence on politicians
• What does the lack of change in laws about racism and inequality suggest about advocacy groups?

  It suggests that even prominent advocacy groups may struggle to effect legislative change