The document discusses key concepts related to democracy, capitalism, rights and responsibilities in the United States. It outlines how the American Dream and ideals of equality are not fully realized, as social and economic inequalities exist along racial lines. While rights are protected constitutionally, minorities like Black Americans often face disadvantages in areas of housing, education, health and employment opportunities compared to white Americans. Efforts like affirmative action have helped increase minority representation but more work is still needed to combat poverty and achieve equal treatment under the law.
4. Democracy Government Of the people By the people For the people Underpins American rights and freedoms The USA is a democratic country
5. Capitalism An ideology which says how to organise the economy People are free to buy and invest in businesses People are encouraged to Work hard Make profits Become wealthy Improving their standard of living Achieving the American Dream The USA is a capitalist country
6. Rights & Freedoms The rights of Americans are protected by the Constitution Bill of Rights Right to vote Right to stand for election Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Right to protest Right to a fair trial
7. Rights & Responsibilities Individuals in USA Interest groups in USA Rights bring Responsibilities Examples?
8. Rights & Responsibilities in the USA Democratic rights Free speech Fair trial Vote for representatives Carry a gun Rights Protected in the Constitution Bill of Rights Rights bring corresponding responsibilities Rights restricted under new anti terrorism laws held without trial telephone tapping / e mail surveillance stop and search eg at airports You must show your understanding By using American examples Vote at Federal, State and local level Vote for President and Members of Congress – eg Senators For State Governor and State Congress Vote for Mayor and local officials – dog catcher
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10. The American Dream Immigration Push Factors Pull Factors The American People Melting Pot Salad Bowl Mosaic Minorities & Inequalities +
11. The American Reality Social inequality – housing , health, education, crime Economic Inequality – income, employment, poverty Crime – particular problem for Black minority in ghetto areas
15. Poverty An American Reality Why poverty? Discrimination Single parent families Unemployment Poor education Welfare cutbacks Low pay
16. The American Reality Social and Economic Inequality All Americans are not equal when it comes to achieving the American Dream. For members of some ethnic minorities , in particular the Black Americans, the reality is social and economic inequality.
17. Describe how some more successful than others: Show differences in housing, education, health and crime for White Americans Black Americans Hispanic or Latino Americans Asian Americans High quality, low density suburbs; large houses, gardens, pool. Gated communities – self sufficient communities behind security fences Af & Hispanic more likely to live in inner city ghetto areas, poor run down housing; Poor health – higher mortality for African and Hispanic Americans than for Asian and White also less likely to have health insurance; Poorly resourced schools and higher drop out rates; crime
18. Economic Inequality Social Inequality To explain inequalities we can look at the links between social and economic factors
19. Unemployment Poverty Low cost housing areas Limited educational resources Dru gs and crime La ck of qualifications Low paid work or A Vicious Circle
20. S ocial Inequalities 1 Health A mericans must pay for health care P oorer Americans are less able to afford health care B lack and Hispanic Americans are less likely to have h ealth care 2 Education Inner city schools are less well resourced than suburban schools: Poorer areas = poorer scholls Black and Hispanic Americans have fewer qualifications than white Americans
21. 3 Housing Inner city ghetto housing is poor in facilities, more likely to be overcrowded and run down Segregation – poorer ethnic minorities in inner city areas Schools have problems getting staff and resources Crime a major problem – especially drugs and violent crime Outer suburbs are in contrast – larger houses with amenities Improved schools ‘ Gated’; secure
22. 4 Crime Inequalities in crime and justice: Rich people can afford expensive lawyers – poor people are les likely to be well defended. Blacks more likely to be convicted, sentenced to prison and given the death sentence than other ethnic groups Regional inequality – some states have death sentence and use it more than others.
23. Economic Inequality Income: Relates to employment opportunities which can be determined by education and qualifications Employment type : Affects income; depends on education, qualifications Unemployment Rates: Some groups more likely to be unemployed than others Poverty: More whites in poverty than any other group BUT higher proportion of Black and Hispanics in poverty.
24. Whats been done about it? A ff irmative action examples What effect? Increasing proportion of Black middle class But Black and Hispanic Americans suffer most from poverty
26. Participation Vo ting in Local, St ate or Federal El ections Joining a political party Republican Democrat Wr ite to a newspaper Eg Washington Post Lobby a politician Senator Congressman Copy and complete the spider diagram – give AMERICAN examples!!
27. Representation Federal Representativ es President Senators Congressmen State Representatives Governor … .. Local Representatives Even the dog catcher! Complete with examples and names Consider how fair is the representation of women and minorities? Reasons for this?
