USA 🦅🇺🇸

• What is the main purpose of the USA political system as designed by the founding fathers?

  To prevent any branch from becoming too powerful
• What mechanism does the US Constitution use to maintain the separation of powers?

  Checks and balances
• How can Congress check the power of the President?

  By overriding presidential vetoes
• How does the President balance the power of other branches?

  By exercising veto power and issuing executive orders
• What role does Article 2 of the Constitution assign to the President?

  Commander in chief of the armed forces
• What authority does the President have regarding military action without congressional approval?

  To use military force for defensive purposes
• What significant action did Joe Biden take in 2024 regarding military intervention?

  Launched airstrikes in Yemen
• What was the controversy surrounding Biden's airstrikes in Yemen?

  He informed Congress but did not seek approval
• How do provisions in US law affect the President's military actions?

  They allow limited military action without Congress approval
• What is an executive order (EO)?

  An official directive from the President to federal agencies
• How can executive orders affect policy changes?

  They allow the President to implement changes without Congress
• What was the purpose of Trump's EO 13767 in 2017?

  To direct the construction of a wall along the Mexico-US border
• How did Congress respond to Trump's EO regarding the wall?

  They tried to deny funding for the wall
• What strategy did Trump use to secure funding for the wall after Congress denied it?

  Declared a national emergency
• What is the role of the Supreme Court in checking presidential power?

  It can declare laws unconstitutional
• What was the outcome of Trump's EO banning travel from certain countries?

  The Supreme Court overturned it as unconstitutional
• How does the political system of the USA prevent one branch from dominating decision making?

  Through checks and balances among branches
• What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as?

  Obamacare
• What was the main goal of the ACA when it was signed into law?

  To provide affordable health insurance coverage
• How many Americans were insured by 2023 due to the ACA?

  95% of the population
• What significant change did the ACA bring to women's health care access?

  Improved access to contraception and care
• What criticisms do Republicans have regarding the ACA?

  It is unaffordable and causes job losses
• What actions did Trump take regarding the ACA after his election?

  Reduced advertising and funding for it
• What percentage of white adults were uninsured in 2022?

  6.8%
• How does the uninsured rate compare among different racial groups?

  Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured
• What is TANF and its main purpose?

  A program to reduce child poverty by aiding single parents
• What is the maximum duration for TANF assistance?

  Five years
• How does TANF support low-income families?

  By providing cash assistance and services
• What has been the impact of TANF since its introduction in 1996?

  Child poverty rates among single parents have fallen
• What criticism exists regarding TANF's effectiveness?

  It lacks accountability on fund usage by states
• How do states use TANF funds differently?

  Some use it for college scholarships or foster care
• What is the main argument against TANF's success?

  It has not moved families out of poverty
• What is one way the USA has international influence?

  Being a permanent member of the UN Security Council
• What power does the USA have as a permanent member of the UNSC?

  The power of veto on resolutions
• How has the USA used its veto power in the UNSC?

  To block resolutions detrimental to its interests
• What was the outcome of the US veto regarding the 2023 cease-fire resolution?

  The resolution was blocked due to the veto
• What does the presence of other permanent members in the UNSC imply for the USA's influence?

  It cannot fully dominate decision making
• How does the USA's military spending compare to other countries?

  It spends more than China, Russia, UK, Germany, France combined
• What was the US military budget in 2024?

  $842 billion
• Why is the USA referred to as the world's "policeman"?

  Due to its military capabilities and influence