USA

• key political features

  One key feature of the USA is the legislative. The Legislator, also known as Congress, has very important roles including writing federal laws, setting tax rates and ensuring the President is doing their job properly. For example, in 2019 and 2020 Congress felt Donald Trump broke federal law so they impeached him.

  
  

  Another key feature of the USA is the executive. The executive, also known as the President, is the main ambassador and represents the USA abroad, the President is also the leader of the armed forces and is responsible for keeping the US safe. For example, Donald Trump ordered the killing of one of Iran's top generals in 2020.

  
  

  A final key feature of the USA is the judiciary. The judiciary is led by the Supreme Court and their job is to ensure that everyone in the US is following the laws as set out in the constitution and to settle disputes. For example, the Supreme Court stopped Donald Trump's first travel ban as they found it discriminated against people based on religion.
• ways that citizens can participate

  One way that Americans can participate is by standing as a candidate in elections. People in the USA have many opportunities to put themselves forward to be elected to a position of power in US society. There are many roles that Americans can stand for such ranging from Dog Catcher to President. For example, in 2020 Joe Biden put himself forward to be the President of the US to replace Donald Trump.

  
  

  Another way Americans can also participate is by voting for candidates in elections. People in the USA have many opportunities to vote for someone to be elected to a position of power in US society. There could be as many as 30 different roles to vote for such as the local sheriff or the state senator. For example, millions of Americans voted in the presidential elections in 2020.

  
  

  A final way Americans can participate is by protesting. As a democracy the US frequently sees large numbers of protesters on the streets as Americans express their opinion on matters that are important to them. For example, in recent years some of the biggest protests in US history centred on Black Lives Matters.
• political rights that citizens have

  One political right that Americans have is to vote. Americans have many opportunities to vote for a candidate to be elected to a position of power in US society. They can vote at local, state and federal level. Their responsibility with this right is to use their vote. For example, approximately 158 million Americans voted in the presidential election in 2020.

  
  

  Another political right Americans have is to take part in a protest. This is when people gather to show their support in numbers about an issue they feel strongly about to try and get change. Protests allow Americans to show how unhappy (or happy) they are with recent government decisions.​ Their responsibility with this right is to protest peacefully. For example, millions of Americans protested on behalf of Black Lives Matter in 2020.

  
  

  A final political right Americans have is to join a political party. Most Americans join one of the two main political parties in the US which are known as the Democrats and Republicans, their responsibility is to support this party during election campaigns. For example, during the run-up to the 2020 presidential campaign thousands of Democrats handed out leaflets to support Joe Biden's campaign.
• why some groups are more likely to participate in politics than others

  One group more likely to participate in politics is retired people. They are more likely to vote because they know how important the right to vote is, this is because this generation grew up after WW2 which was known as a fight for democracy and freedom, so voting is very important to them. For example, over 60+ had the highest turnout in the 2020 presidential election compared to all other age groups.

  
  

  Another group more likely to participate in politics is more educated people. They are more likely to vote because they are more engaged and people who have higher levels of education may have a better understanding of what is happening in the complex US political system. For example, those with a university level education had the highest turnout in the 2020 presidential election compared to all other educational groups.

  
  

  A final group who is more likely to participate is white people. They are more likely to vote because they have benefitted from it. In the US, White Americans have always had the vote, so it has been more traditional for them to vote, they are also more likely to be wealthy and have high levels of education which are linked to higher voter turnout. For example, White Americans had the highest turnout in the 2020 presidential election compared to all other ethnic groups.
• why some groups participate less in the political system

  One group less likely to participate in politics is young people. They may be less likely to vote because they feel ignored. Many young people in America may not vote as they feel it doesn't matter because politicians haven't dealt with issues relevant to young people such as the costs of health care, university, or school shootings. For example, 18-29-year-olds had the lowest voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election.

  
  

  Another group who is less likely to participate in politics is Black Americans. They are less likely to vote because they feel the system doesn't work for them. For much of the history of the USA black people have been mistreated, abused and denied the right to vote. Though they now have that right many feel that the people they can vote for are mostly white and so don't know what it's like to be black or how to make things better. For example, Black Americans were less likely to vote in the 2020 presidential election in comparison to White Americans.

  
  

  A final group less likely to participate in politics is less educated people. They may be less likely to understand how and where to register to vote. The US political system is very complicated and often seems very dysfunctional. With so many people and roles to vote for it might be too much for less educated people to understand what they are voting for. For example, those with less than a High School education was the group least likely to vote in the 2020 presidential election.
• groups that are underrepresented in politics

  One group which is underrepresented in politics is women. This may be due to sexism; many women are reluctant to put themselves forward as candidates because they often face sexism media often focuses on their looks and fashion rather than ideas and experience. For example, there has never been a female President.

  
  

  One group which is underrepresented in politics is ethnic minorities. This may be due to racism; it is argued that ethnic minorities face discrimination and prejudice from white voters who are reluctant to vote for them. For example, the 2020 election the name of Vice President Kamala Harris was often mocked openly even by fellow senators.

  
  

  One group which is underrepresented in politics is those living in poverty. This may be due to the cost of US elections. Candidates in US elections must raise huge sums of money to fight elections. Women and Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, less likely to vote and less likely to stand for election so it makes it harder to participate. For example, $10 Billion Spent in 2020 Election
• why some groups are underrepresented in the political system

  One reason why women may be underrepresented may be because of sexism. Many women are reluctant to put themselves forward as candidates because they often face sexism in the media which often focuses on their looks and fashion rather than their ideas and experience. For example, there has never been a female US President.

  
  

  One reason why ethnic minorities may be underrepresented is because of racism. It is argued that ethnic minorities face discrimination and prejudice from white voters who are reluctant to vote for them. For example, in the 2020 election the name of Vice President Kamala Harris was often mocked openly even by fellow senators.

  
  

  One reason why those living in poverty may be underrepresented is because of the cost of US elections. Candidates in US elections must raise huge sums of money to fight elections. Women and Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, less likely to vote and less likely to stand for election so it makes it harder to participate. For example, $10 billion was spent in the 2020 Election.
• ways the USA can have an economic influence on other countries

  One way the US influences other countries economically is because they try and attract US tourists. As the USA is the wealthiest country many of its citizens have a lot of money to travel the world and spend so countries like Scotland will try to make their country as attractive as possible to US citizens. For example, the US is the number one source of tourists to Scotland who spend around £500 million a year.

  
  

  Another way that the US influences is other countries economically as they will often try and attract US businesses. Some of the largest companies in the world are from the US and so they employ thousands of people. To try and benefit from these big businesses many countries like the UK will lower taxes on companies in the hope they will create jobs. For example, around 90,000 people in Scotland have jobs in American companies.

  
  

  A final way that the US influences other countries economically is by making them change how they make products. The wealth and number of people in the USA make it a very important market to try and sell too. This will mean that countries like Scotland will try to follow as many of the USA's rules as they can so they can sell to the US. For example, Scotland sells over £4.5 billion worth of goods and services to the US each year.
• ways the USA can have political influence on other countries

  One way the US influences other countries politically is by making them consider the US veto. The USA is a permanent member of the UN security council and has the power to reject decisions and actions that other countries of the world want so they will often work hard to please the US to make sure it doesn't use the veto. For example, the US has used its veto over 80 times often to protect its allies such as Israel.

  
  

  Another way that the US influences other countries politically is by organising them to issue sanctions. Sanctions are punishments that countries give to each other when they are unhappy. This could include restricting money or people's ability to travel. Many countries around the world try to stay friendly with the USA and will place sanctions on countries the US is unhappy with. For example, in recent years the US has encouraged countries like the UK, Germany and France to put sanctions on North Korea, China and Russia for their human rights abuses.

  
  

  A final way that the US influences other countries politically is by encouraging them to sign global agreements. As the US is such a big country, many rich and powerful countries around the world will be more likely to join an international agreement if the USA does for issues like tackling Climate Change. For example, in 2021 the US was very influential in getting China to agree to tackle climate change and help fund poorer countries to make changes.
• ways the USA can have military influence on other countries


  One of the militaristic influences of the US on other countries is that they will avoid conflict with the US. The US has the strongest and most advanced military so countries will do whatever they can to avoid the US attacking them as they know that they would be likely to lose. For example, in 2020 the US killed one of the key leaders of Iran, yet Iran did not declare war against the US as they knew they could never win.

  
  

  Another of the militaristic influences of the US on other countries is that they will spend more to compete with the US. The USA spends more than any other nation each year on its armed forces which gives it both a destructive and technological advantage that forces others to spend more if they want to be able to even try and match the US. For example, the US spends over $800 billion a year on its armed forces which is more than the next 10 biggest spenders combined.

  
  

  A further militaristic influence of the US on other countries is that they must accept American power even if they don't like it. Due to the size and strength of the US armed forces, it can be confident that it can operate in, invade or attack almost any country around the world regardless of what the leaders of that country want which means those leaders must step back as they can't stop it. For example, the US killed the leader of Daesh in Syria even though the Syrian president doesn't welcome US forces in Syria.
• reasons why the world power you have studied has the ability to influence other countries

  One reason why the US has the ability to influence other countries is because it has the largest economy. This means a lot of countries will want to trade products with the US and attract businesses, meaning that countries will follow as many of the USA's rules as they can so they can sell to the US. For example, Scotland sells over £4.5 billion worth of goods and services to the US.

  
  

  Another reason why the US has the ability to influence other countries is because it is the most politically powerful country in the world. The US has a seat on the UN security council and is also the largest financial contributor meaning that the US has the power to reject decisions and actions that other countries of the world want so they will often work hard to please the US to make sure it doesn't use the veto. For example, the US has used its veto over 80 times often to protect its allies such as Israel.

  
  

  A final reason why the US has the ability to influence other countries is because it has the most advanced military in the world. The US has the strongest and most advanced military so countries will do whatever they can to avoid the US attacking them as they know that they would be likely to lose. For example, in 2020 the US killed one of the key leaders of Iran, yet Iran did not declare war against the US as they knew they would not be able to defeat the US.
• reasons why the world power you have studied would want to have influence over other countries

  One reason why the US would want to have influence over other countries is to get the best trade deals. This means the US can decide on the rules for these deals which will impact US citizens and companies favourably. For example, Scotland sells over £4.5 billion worth of goods and services to the US.

  
  

  Another reason why the US would want to have influence over other countries is to shape the world to work for US interests. This means that through the US role on the UN Security Council they can reject decisions and actions that other countries want with their power of the veto if they feel this goes against US interests. For example, the US has used its veto over 80 times often to protect its allies such as Israel.

  
  

  A final reason why the US would want to have influence over other countries is to protect American citizens and allies. The USA spends more than any other nation each year on its armed forces which gives it both a destructive and technological advantage, meaning that other countries are very unlikely to attack the US or any of its allies. For example, the US spends over $800 billion a year on its armed forces which is more than the next 10 biggest spenders combined.
• social issues of a world power you have studied

  One social issue US citizens face is educational inequality. There is a huge funding problem in education in the USA as schools in more affluent areas gain more funding than schools in poorer areas. This means that young people from poorer areas do not get as good an education, and this affects black and Hispanic families the most. For example, 35% of White Americans have a degree whereas only 18% of Hispanics have a degree.

  
  

  Another social issues US citizens face is health inequality. Americans are not all equal when it comes to their health. Private healthcare ensures that those with money can live healthier lifestyles than poor Americans, whereas those living in poverty are far less likely to access appropriate medical care due to a lack of health insurance. For example, 25% of Black Americans don't have health insurance compared with only 9% of White Americans.
• economic issues of a world power you have studied

  One economic issue US citizens face is poverty. Millions of Americans work hard at jobs that do not sustain them and their families financially. Low-wage jobs do not pay enough to provide even a modest standard of living, meaning many families are pushed into poverty. For example, 1 child in every 7 will be born into poverty in the United States.

  
  

  Another economic issue US citizens face is homelessness. Despite being the wealthiest country in the world, due to the cost-of-living thousands of Americans struggle to get out of the cycle of homelessness which can hinder them from getting a job and prevent them from affording a home. For example, over 600,000 Americans are facing homelessness.
• why some people experience social and economic inequalities

  One reason Black Americans might have a harder life is because of their higher rate of poverty. This means they are more likely to have low paying jobs and therefore not be able to afford a good standard of living and this could impact their ability to afford health insurance too. For example, around 21% of Black Americans live in poverty compared to just 10% of White Americans.

  
  

  One reason Black Americans might have a harder life is because of their lower levels of educational attainment. This means that Black Americans are more likely to attend schools facing a funding gap which can have an impact on their qualifications and restrict their opportunities after school. For example, 35% of White Americans have a degree whereas only 25% of Black Americans do.

  
  

  One reason Black Americans might have a harder life is because of their lower levels of health insurance. This means that Black Americans are less likely to have access to adequate health care and medicine which can have a significant impact on their health and life expectancy. For example, 25% of Black Americans don't have health insurance compared with only 9% of White Americans.
• ways the government tries to solve social and economic problems

  One Government response that has been introduced is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, as it is known, is designed to help tackle poverty by providing low- or no-income Americans with support to purchase food. For example, US citizens who receive this benefit are given a debit card that has on average $125 a month for each person in that household to buy food.

  
  

  Another government response has been the introduction of the Head Start programme. This is designed to help overcome educational inequalities by giving targeted nutritional and educational support to poorer children before they start elementary school to help them catch up to more well-off children. For example, each year more than 300,000 Head Start children enter kindergarten after getting support.

  
  

  One other government response that has been introduced is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This was introduced while Barack Obama was president and is sometimes known as "Obamacare". The purpose of this act was to give millions more people access to healthcare for the first time. It also has made healthcare cheaper for many. For example, the number of people without insurance has fallen by around 15 million people since ACA was introduced.
• arguments that the ways governments have responded to inequality have been successful

  One reason why SNAP is arguably effective is because it reaches so many every year with the help they need. This means that by providing low- or no-income Americans with support to purchase food, they can get access to one of their basic needs and allows their money to be spent on other important areas such as utility or other household bills. For example, an estimated 41 million Americans rely on SNAP for their basic needs.

  
  

  One reason why Head Start is effective because it has been found to reduce educational inequalities. This means that by overcoming educational inequalities by giving targeted nutritional and educational support to poorer children before they start elementary school, it has helped many poorer children catch up to wealthier kids. For example, in 2020 it was found that Blacks and Latinos were particularly likely to benefit longer term from the extra pre-school help.

  
  

  One reason why the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is effective is because many more people have been able to get access to health insurance. This means that many more people can access appropriate health care and medication that they need, meaning that health care is no longer unavailable due to cost. For example, 15 million more Americans now have access to health insurance.
• arguments that the ways governments have responded to inequality have been unsuccessful

  One reason why critics argue that SNAP is not effective is because poverty is still a massive problem in the USA. This means that SNAP has not been a solution to this economic problem and more clearly needs to be done to resolve poverty. For example, there are 11 million children in poverty in the USA.

  
  

  One reason why Head Start is not effective is because it does not even begin to reach all the children in poverty in the USA. This means that Head Start is not an equitable programme as many children are missing out which can lead to educational barriers in the future. For example, 35% of White Americans have a degree whereas only 18% of Hispanics have a degree.

  
  

  One reason why ACA is considered not effective is because many Americans still have poor access to health care either due to cost or because they live in a poor, rural area in the southern USA. ACA is not available to all those living in poverty so many Americans still miss out on being able to afford health insurance so they can access quality healthcare. For example, Black Americans are more likely to die four years younger in comparison to White Americans.