USA

Created by

Salma Sattar

Cards (26)

A key feature of the US political
system is the constitution.
The Constitution is a set of rules
that explain how the government
works. It includes the Bill of Rights
of speech that outlines and protects the rights
American have. For example, a right
outlined in the constitution is the right to
freedom of speech.
A key feature of the US Political
system is the Judicial Branch.
The Supreme Court must approve
all new laws passed in the US to
make sure that they are
constitutional. If the court finds out they
are not, they
have the power to stop it becoming
a law. For example, Roe vs Wade being overturned
so women no longer have the right for an
abortion.
America citizens have the right to vote.
This means US citizens must register
to vote then they are allowed to
vote in a variety of election
including the presidential election.
For example, over 152 million voted
in the last Presidential election in 2024,
which Donald Trump won
American citizens have the right to join
a political party.
This means they might help to help
to support and publicise candidates
linked to party. They might also make
financial donations to support the party.
For example, many people choose to join
and become members of one of the two
biggest parties in America – The Democrats
or the Republicans.
Some people choose to participate
in politics so they can have a say in
who gets elected.
Individuals can vote for a candidate
or a particular party who they feel
will best represent their views. They
can vote for senators, governors,
Mayors and who they would like to
become president.
For example over 154 million people
chose to vote in the last presidential
election in 2024.
Some people choose to participate
in politics because they want to
bring about positive changes in
society.
Some people are passionate about
politics and feel strongly about
issues that affect the USA like gun
control and believe that standing as
a candidate is a way to influence
policies and decision-making. (laws)
For example Kamala Harris stood as
a candidate to become president
because she wanted to bring about
positive change in the USA.
Some groups are more likely to participate
in politics in the US becasue they are better
educated.
If someone is well educated they are
they are most likely to understand the
political system and the importance
of voting. This will lead to high turnout
in elections.
For example, White Americans tend to have
one of the highest educational attainment
rates and they have the highest turnout
rate in the last 2024 presidential election.
Some groups are more likely to
participate in politics as they have
more role models to look up to.
When individuals see people who
look like them and share similar
experiences it can inspire them to
get involved.
For example nearly all US Presidents
have been white and whites have
the highest participation levels.
One reason why some groups are
less likely to participate in politics is
because of a lack of role models
Black and Hispanics have had very
few role models to look up to within
US politics over the years. Less
representation means less
encouragement to get involved.
For example there has only ever
been one Black American president
and there has never been a Hispanic
President.
One reason why some groups are
less likely to participate in politics is
because of language barriers
Many Hispanics living in the USA do
not speak English as their first
language and this can make it
difficult to participate.
For example, Hispanics are most
likely to experience language
barriers and they have a lower
turnout. 54% of Hispanics voted in
the last election in comparison to
71% of whites.
One reason why representation in
politics is not equal in the US is
because it is very expensive to
stand as a candidate
Candidates have a better chance of
success if they have access to
wealthy donors. Individuals from
poorer backgrounds are less likely to
stand.
For example Trumps 2024 campaign
cost roughly $355 million
A further reason why representation
in politics is not equal or groups are
under represented is because of
Racism/Sexism
Some groups are treated differently
because of their race and sex. This
might deter them from standing for
positions.
For example Barack Obama the 1st
minority president faced a
significant amount of racism during
his time as president.
The American Government have tried to tackle social and economic problems by providing SNAP. SNAP helps individuals on a low income to purchase food. Money is put on a debit card that can be spend on food. This helps to prevent hunger, improve health and frees up money for the individual to spend on other things. For example, over 41 million Americans currently receive monthly SNAP payments.
The American Government have
tried to tackle economic problems
like poverty by providing TANF.
Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families is short-term financial
support for those who cannot meet
the basic needs of their families.
This can help cover the cost of
food, childcare and rent etc. They
also help people get back into
work. For example, approximately 1
million families were receiving
TANF payments in September 2022.
The US Government have been
effective at tackling economic
problems by providing financial
support to individuals on a local
income via SNAP.SNAP helps individuals on a low
income to purchase food. Money is
put on a debit card that can be
spent on food. This helps to tackle
food insecurity, prevent hunger,
improve health and frees up money
for the individual to spend on other
things.For example, roughly 42 millions
Americans currently receive
monthly SNAP payments.
The US Government have been
effective at tackling economic
problems like poverty by providing
TANF.Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families is short-term financial
support for those who cannot meet
the basic needs of their families.
This can help cover the cost of
food, childcare and rent etc.For example, approximately 2
million people were receiving TANF
payments in September 2023.
The US Government have not been
fully effective at tackling Health
Inequality as lots of people still do
not have health insurance and still
experience poor health. Some people still cant afford
Private Medical Insurance and have
to rely on medicaid and medicare
which only provide basic health
care. For example 20% of Hispanics still
have no private health insurance.
The US Government have not been
effective at tackling poverty as
SNAP payments are not high
enough.SNAP is intended to help individuals
and families on a low income-
afford food, but the average
payment of $230 per month is not
enough to cover basic needs.
For example, in 2023, the average
cost for a food shopping for a family
of four was about $1,000 per
month showing SNAP is not
enough.
The US has political influence due
to the status it has on the
international stage
This means due to their
relationship with other countries
they can influence them to support
things they are doing that affect
the world.
For example at COP 28, the U.S.
successfully encouraged China, to
to transition away from fossil fuels.
The USA is a member of the UN
Security Council
As a permanent member of the
UN, the USA has the power to veto
UN resolutions and can therefore
impact on the influence the UN has
on other countries.
The USA vetoed a UN security
council resolution to call for a
ceasefire in GAZA
The US has economic influence as
they can impose Economic
Sanctions on other countries
around the world.
This can be done to try and
encourage a country to make
better decisions in relations to
issues like human rights or to deter
them from getting involved in
conflict.
For example the US government,
imposed economic and trade
sanctions on Russia during the
conflict with Ukraine.
America has ecomonic influence as
they provide a huge amount of
International Aid to countries
around the world.
This aid helps developing countries
or countries affected by war to
provide a variety of things including
basic necessities like food and clean
water, better healthcare and
improved access to education.
For example, the USA has provided
more than $400 million in
humanitarian support to
Palestinian refugees.
The US has a military influence
because they have military bases
all over the world to support and
protect their allies.
These bases allow the US to
respond quickly to any potential
threats. They also help to train
foreign military at their bases.
For example the US currently has
750 military bases in the world. In
particular they have bases around
China to help protect Tawian.
America has military influence over
other countries because it has a
leading role in NATO.
The USA provides the most troops,
resources and finances to NATO
than any other country. This means
they play a key role in setting their
agenda.
For example the US has led NATO
into providing millions of pounds
worth of weapons to help in the
fight against Russia
The US tries to gain influence over
other countries so it can protect its
citizens and National Security.
By building allies with other
countries, they will be able to rely
on them if there is ever a need for
military support or a threat to
society like terrorism.
For example, the US has worked
with Mexico to implement
migration control measures aimed
at reducing the flow of migrants to
the US border.
The US tries to gain influence over
other countries so it can benefit
from trade deals.
The US makes trade deals with
other countries so that it will
benefit the US economy.
For example the US has recently
implemented 25% tariffs on
Mexican imports and a 10% tax on
chinese imports to protect its
economy.