1. Political System and Process
• This section will cover all potential
essay questions related to politics in the
USA
2. Some of the potential essays…
1. The political system provides an effective
check on the government. Discuss. (20 marks)
2. Analyse the ways in which some groups
influence decision making. (12 marks)
3. Analyse the political rights and responsibilities
of citizens in the world power you have
studied. (12 marks)
• Remember that other questions may come up in
the exam but we cannot predict…you have to
learn the content of the course and then adapt
on the day of the exam to suit the questions
asked.
3. The US System of Government
Federal Government buildings: The White House (residence of the President), the
Supreme Court (highest court in USA) and Congress (law making or legislative assembly).
The following slides contain details on the structure of the
US Government. Although you won’t get a question asking
you to describe the government, it is crucial that you have a
solid understanding – you should know a lot of this from
National 5.
4. • In 1787, the US Constitution was
written. It has been enforced since
1789 and is still crucial today (although
since 1787 there have been 27
amendments made to it).
• Then Constitution is basically a SET OF
RULES by which the country is
governed.
• It is also referred to as the SUPREME
LAW of the USA.
• The first 10 amendments (changes) the
constitution are known as the BILL OF
RIGHTS. These outline the rights all
citizens should have, including freedom
of speech, which we will look at later.
The US System of Government
Page 1 of the original US constitution
5. • The constitution also says that government should be
split into different LEVELS. This is related to the
SEPARATION OF POWERS which we will look at
shortly.
1. Federal level – this is the government for the whole
country. Passes laws and makes decisions which apply
to all Americans (split into three branches).
2. State level – each of the 50 states has its own state
government which passes laws and makes decisions
which apply to that state only (structure is similar to
that of federal government).
3. Local/County level – governments which make local
decisions in relation to schools etc.
The US System of Government
At Higher level we will
focus mostly on the
Federal Government
6. • The original articles of the Constitution
explained how the US Government should
be structured.
• The founding fathers (the people who
drafted the constitution) believed that
no one person or group should ever have
too much control, so they stipulated that
the US government should be split into 3
BRANCHES.
• Article 1 of the Constitution outlined the
legislative branch (two parts of this).
• Article 2 – the Executive Branch.
• Article 3 – the judicial branch.
• See the branches on the next slide
The US System of Government
Page 1 of the original US constitution
7. Federal Government in the USA
(The government for the whole country)
The Legislature The Executive The Judiciary
Makes the country’s laws Administers the country Explains and interprets
the laws and the
constitution
Congress
House of Senate
Representatives
Voters
Elect Elect
The President and
The Vice-President
The Supreme Court
Appointed by the
President
with the advice and
consent of the Senate
8. The US Federal Government
There are three parts to the US Federal Government:
1. The Executive is the office of the President. The role of
the President is to oversee the running of the country
and suggest new laws to improve the USA.
2. The Legislative is the law making part of the Federal
Government. Representatives from all 50 States meet at
Congress (in Washington DC). There are two types of
representatives in Congress: Senators and
Congressmen/women.
3. The Judiciary is the court. The highest court in the USA
is the Supreme Court to which Americans can appeal if
they feel their constitutional rights have been denied.
The Supreme Court also has the power to interpret laws.
The US System of Government
9. It is said that the American Constitution is built on three
great principles: compromise, compromise, compromise.
Compromise 1
Power was to be divided between the Federal (national)
Government and the different states.
Compromise 2
Congress was to be made up of two houses: the Senate and the
House of Representatives. In the Senate there would be equal
representation of all the states and in contrast the HOR would
have representation proportional to the population of each
state.
Compromise 3
President would be elected indirectly by the people
10. Principles of Government in the USA:
The Separation of Powers
• The US Constitution details the way in which government
must operate.
• The writers of the US Constitution wanted power to be
shared, so the Constitution states that there will be a
‘separation of powers’ between the Federal Government
(whole of US) and each of the 50 State Governments.
• For example, the Federal Government based in Washington
has power over the armed forces, foreign policy and the
currency.
• State Governments (e.g. Texas) have power over everything
not reserved for the Federal Government including
education, use of the death penalty and the age for marriage
or driving.
The US System of Government
Texas State capitol building
11. The US System of Government
Principles of Government in the USA:
Checks and balances
• The US Constitution includes a series of checks and balances to
reinforce the separation of powers.
• These checks create a balance of power, where no one branch of
government has too much authority.
• Congress can check the power of the President and the Supreme
Court can check the power of Congress.
• This ensures that no one branch of government becomes too
powerful.
12. The US System of Government
Principles of Government in the USA:
Checks and balances
One example is that the Constitution cannot be changed
unless:
• three-quarters of the States agree
• two-thirds of representatives in Washington agree
• the President agrees.
In practice, the separation of power means that the Federal
and State Governments must work together to run the
country.
In addition, the three parts of the Federal Government
check and balance each other.
15. The US System of Government
State Governments
Each State has a system of government similar to the
Federal Government. For example California has:
1. A Governor (Jerry Brown, above) who runs the State
and suggests new laws or spending plans
2. A legislative building with two law making
bodies – the State Assembly and State Senate.
As with the Federal Government, the State
Assembly members and State Senators must agree
before decisions become law. The California
Legislative meets in Sacramento - the State capital.
3. A State Supreme Court which is the highest court of
appeal in California and interprets State laws.
16. The US System of Government
County/Municipal Governments
• We won’t go into local government in detail
but it is good to know some of the basics.
• Below state level – most states have two
further tiers of local government - county
and municipal governments
• In the city of Los Angeles in the state of
California, there are 58 county governments
and one municipal government.
• The current mayor of LA is Eric Garcetti
(right).
• County and Municipal governments deal with
local issues such as police, roads, water,
schools etc.
• Our equivalent would be local authorities.
17. US Political parties and their support
• There are two main political parties in the USA – the
Democrats and the Republicans.
• Both parties contains a range of people from across society.
• In US elections, candidates seek to build political support
across different regions and groups. In America, a
candidate’s views on particular issues such as taxes, gun
control or welfare are often more important than which
party they represent.
18. Democratic Party Support
In recent years, Democrat support has
been strongest from the following groups:
• The Poor – Those dependent on welfare or Govt. health
provision (Medicaid) as Democrats more sympathetic to less
well off. Many poor people live in urban areas.
• Minorities – Blacks and Hispanics as the Democrats are
more supportive of government programmes to support
minorities. Democrats are seen as less strict on immigration.
• ‘Liberals’ – Those in the NE and West of the USA who are
more supportive of government intervention in the economy,
and of gay rights, abortion and tighter gun control.
The Democrats
19. The Republicans
Republican Party Support
Republican Party support is strongest amongst:
• Wealthy people – The Republicans favour low taxes and
limited government intervention in the economy. Many
wealthy Americans live in suburban areas or in more rural
States of the Mid West (Iowa) or the South (Alabama).
• Whites – 58% of whites voted for Trump in 2016.
• ‘Conservatives’ – Republicans are more likely to be
conservative on social policy i.e. anti-abortion & anti-gay,
pro-gun and pro-death penalty. Note: The ‘religious right’
and the ‘bible belt’ States have grown in importance in US
politics in recent years.
20. Partisanship
• Partisanship is a
feeling of
attachment to a
particular party.
Many Americans
identify strongly
with one of the two
main parties.
• Some states are
very Democrat (e.g.
New York) and some
are very Republican
(e.g. Alabama)
• But…see recent
news article
21. US Political parties and their
support – The 2008 Elections
In 2008, the USA returned a Democrat President and
Congress. In the Presidential election, Democrat Barack
Obama beat Republican John McCain. In Congress, the
Democrats became the main party with 56 of 100
Senators and 256 of the 435 Congressmen.
So who supported the Democrats in 2008?
• 65% of first time voters – Obama younger than McCain.
• 95% of Blacks and 70% of Hispanics; McCain had a small
majority amongst Whites.
• 56% women and 52% men. Obama more ‘female-friendly’.
• The 62% of voters who felt Obama and the Democrats
were better able to handle the economic crisis.
22. US Political parties and their support –
The 2012 Presidential Election
In 2012, the USA returned Democrat Barack Obama who
beat Republican Mitt Romney. So who supported Obama
in 2012?
• Most men (52%) voted for Romney whilst most women
(55%) voted Obama.
• Most whites (59%) voted for Romney.
• 93% of African Americans voted Obama, as did 71% of
Hispanics and 73% of Asians.
• Obama won the young vote – 60% of 18-29 year olds
voted him.
• Romney won the old vote – 56% of over 65s voted him.
http://www.ropercenter.uconn.edu/elections/how_groups_voted/voted_12.html
23. US Political parties and their support –
The 2016 Presidential Election
In 2016, the USA elected Republican Donald Trump in a
shock result. His Democrat opponent was Hilary Clinton.
• 52% of men voted Trump compared to just 41% of
women
• Most whites (58%) voted for Trump.
• 8% of African Americans voted Trump, as did 29% of
Hispanics and 29% of Asians.
• Clinton won the young vote – 56% of 18-24 year olds
voted her and more than half of 25-39 year olds
• Trump won the old vote – 53% of over 65s voted him.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidenti
al_election,_2016
27. Rights and Responsibilities in the USA
• This could come up in the exam, e.g.:
• Analyse the political rights and
responsibilities of citizens in the world
power you have studied. (12 marks)
• Best approach is to look at different
rights and examine the extent to which
they exist and also the responsibilities
that go along with them.
28. Rights and Responsibilities
• The rights of people in America are an
important aspect of the American
Dream
• As mentioned before, the rights of all
Americans are enshrined in the
constitution, especially in Amendments
1-10 which are called the Bill of Rights
30. The Bill of Rights: The Constitution's First
10 Amendments
• As you watch, summarise the US
Constitution’s first 10 amendments on the
following slide of your hand-out. If you
don’t watch the clip…research at home
using the internet and take notes about
the Bill or Rights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYEfLm5
dLMQ
31. Rights and Responsibilities
RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES
The right to vote e.g. for the
President
Use your right to vote on election
day
The right to stand for election
e.g. as a Senator
If elected, you must listen to the
opinions of people you represent
Freedom of religion Allow others to practice their
religion
Freedom of speech Allow others to have their own ideas
and points of view
The right to protest e.g. about
gun control
Protest peacefully
The right to a fair trial Help others get a fair trial
32. Political Rights and Responsibilities
• Americans also have political rights and
responsibilities.
• The next slide has a list of those political
rights and the responsibilities that go with
them.
33. Political Rights and Responsibilities
Political Right American
Example
Responsibility
Vote in elections Federal, State and
County/Local level.
e.g. can vote in
Presidential elections
at Federal level
government
To use the vote and
do so in a considered
way
Join a political party Republicans and
Democrats
To respect the views
of others from
different parties
Stand as a candidate
for election
President, Member of
the House of
Representatives,
Senator, Mayor
If elected, you must
listen to the views of
people that you
represent
34. Political Rights and Responsibilities
Political Right American
Example
Responsibility
Protest For gun ownership
e.g. National Rifle
Association (NRA)
Protest peacefully
and obey the law
Join an interest
group
Greenpeace
(worldwide group)
To obey the law
when protesting
Free speech Criticise the work
of Federal, State
and County/Local
level government
e.g. on Obama’s
health care reforms
Allow others to
express their
opinions
35. Analyse Question
• Analyse the political rights and responsibilities of
citizens in the world power you have studied. (12
marks)
• Political rights include those enshrined in the Bill of
Rights.
• You can also use notes from “How Democratic is the
USA” so that you can give limitations to the rights
of Americans. See notes later in booklet.
• Paragraph example…
1. Vote in elections – e.g. Presidential etc.
36. Right to Vote
• Can vote in various elections – federal, state
and local
• Vote for President every 4 years, e.g. 2016 –
Hilary Clinton (Democrat) vs. Donald Trump
(Republican)
• 2012 – Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney
• Over 1 million elected posts in the USA
• Analysis – talk about whether the right to vote
gives citizens a real voice, can they have an
impact on elections, on decisions about the
country? Are there limitations? Is there
enough choice at US elections? (i.e. Federal
elections are usually between only two parties –
Democrat and Republican)
37. Right to Protest
• First Amendment of Constitution, Bill of Rights
• Right to peaceful assembly and petition
• Examples of protests – Occupy Wall Street interest group
protests against banks following recession (2008-present)
• Many protests after Obama-led federal government bailed
out banks with taxpayer money
• NRA – protest about Americans right to own a gun – link to
second amendment.
• Brady campaign protest for more gun control
• Anti-Trump protests
• Analysis – talk about whether the right to protest gives
citizens a real voice, can they have an impact on decisions
about the country? Are there limitations? Do protests
actually work? Do they achieve anything?
38. Stand for Election and Join a
Party
• Could join various parties – Republican, Democrat, Greens,
Libertarians, National Socialist Movement etc.
• Rules to stand for president? – must have been born in
USA, over 35, have lived in USA for past 14 years
• Rules to be Senator – lived in US for last 9 years, at least
30 years old, resident of the state you are running for
• Joining parties – take part in primary elections, party
conventions, e.g. join Democrats and take part in the
Democratic National Convention. Democrats have about 43
million registered members.
• Expensive to run – Obama spent over $1 billion to become
president in 2008 and again in 2012
• Analysis – Does this mean that ordinary Americans can
have an impact in decision making? Is it fair that not all
Americans can stand? Can politicians really make a
difference or is there too much corruption? Enough choice
of parties?
39. Money spent on 2016 campaigns…
Analysis – does money have an impact? Clinton spent much
more than Trump and still lost. Clear though that campaigns
are expensive and that money is a huge factor. Both
candidates came from wealthy backgrounds.
40. Right to Free Speech
• An important right – first Amendment etc.
• Americans can protest against government – e.g. Obama or
Trump Administrations
• Opponents of Obamacare – should healthcare be subsidised for
poorer Americans?
• Modern developments – Facebook, Twitter, social media – should
Americans be allowed to say what they want online?
• Edward Snowden – former CIA analysts who was a “whistle
blower” – revealed state secrets and had to flee the USA or
face life in prison. Did he have freedom of speech?
• Recently, freedom of speech in limelight following college
campus protests – white supremacists marching through streets
– is this good?
• Analysis – Is it good that Americans can say what they want?
Discuss responsibilities that go with this…e.g. don’t incite
violence. Violence following Michael Brown shooting in
2014…should people be allowed to say what they want if this is
the result?
43. Ways Citizens can Participate
Voting - On election
day people can
participate by turning
out to vote for the
Presidential candidate of
their choice.
e.g. In federal
elections, you vote for
the President every 4
years and Congress
every 2 years.
44. Ways Citizens can Participate
Stand as candidates -
For example they could
stand for Congress or even
President.
Over 1 million positions
available from President
down to dog catcher!
45. Ways Citizens can Participate
Join a political party –
Democrats or Republicans
Being a party member lets them
take part in the primary elections
where you can choose your
preferred candidate for President.
For example, Democrats tend to be
supported by the poor, unemployed
and ethnic minorities.
Republicans are more closely linked
to the rich, big business and the
middle class.
46. Ways Citizens can Participate
Campaigning - Party
members can get involved in
election campaigns by handing
out leaflets, attending party
rallies and fundraising. For
example, a citizen could go door
to door handing out leaflets in
support of the Republican Party.
47. Ways Citizens can Participate
Join a Pressure group
or Interest Group – these
are groups which share similar views
about something
For example, the National Rifle
Association (NRA) defends the
right of American citizens to own
and carry guns for self defence and
sporting purposes. They are a
powerful group with many
supporters within government
48. Political Participation in the
USA – Background Knowledge
• Before you can vote in the USA
you must be registered to vote.
• In the 2016 Presidential election
65% of the total population was
registered to vote (only 57% voted
on the day).
• Black and Hispanic voters are less
likely to register, although there
has been an increase in recent
years. Turnout is therefore quite
low.
49. Voter turnout
• Voter turnout is affected by whether or
not it is a Presidential election year.
• The turnout is always higher in Presidential
election years than it is for mid term
elections.
• The TV coverage of the election of a
President obviously increases voter
awareness and interest. There is
significantly less interest in only electing a
Congressman/ woman or State officials.
50. Why is voter registration so low?
1. The registration procedure can be complicated.
2.Some groups feel that voting is a waste of time.
3.In some rural areas it might be difficult to get
to the polling station.
4.Many people are happy with the way the
government is run.
5.Many are illegal immigrants and not qualify to
vote.
51. Low turnout in US elections –
Why?
1. Numerous elections are held for many
different posts and people can be put off
voting because it happens so often.
2. The registration form can be long and
complicated and it, itself, can be a barrier
to voting especially if certain groups are
not well educated enough e.g. Blacks and
Hispanics.
52. Low turnout in US elections –
Why?
3. The ballot paper is often long and complicated
and some voters might find it confusing,
especially if they don’t have a decent level of
education.
4. A lot of people believe that voting will not
change their lives and so they don’t vote e.g.
Many blacks and Hispanics - poor life chances.
Live in poor areas e.g. ghettoes with poor
schools and housing. Feel that voting makes no
difference.
53. Low turnout in US elections –
Why?
5. Many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and so do
not qualify, under the constitution, to vote.
6. TV coverage may affect turnout. When the
polling stations are closing in the Eastern
states like New York people are still going to
vote in western states like California because
they are at least 5 hours behind. If TV
stations announce that one side is going to win
easily, those voters in the west may decide not
to bother voting as the see the result as
already decided.
54. Possible Exam Question
• Evaluate the ways that citizens of a world
power you have studied can participate
politically. 12 marks
• This is similar to the recent participation
essay you did on the UK.
• Do 3-4 paragraphs on different ways
Americans can participate. Include
limitations – see notes later in booklet.
• You can also use the notes on pressure
groups on the slides after this one.
55. USA Participation Facts 1
• Turnout in 2012 US Presidential election was 54.9% (down
from 57.1% in 2008) – pretty low…and it’s much lower than
this for smaller elections. Does this show that perhaps many
Americans don’t see the value of voting?
• Voting does create change though – in 20th the Presidency
and control of Congress has switched constantly between
the two big parties. Obama (2009-present) – Democrat,
George W. Bush (2001-2009) – Republican, Clinton (1993-
2001) – Democrat, George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) -
Republican
• Republican Party – 30.7 million members, Democrat Party –
43.1 million members
• Democrat potential nominees for President 2016 – Hilary
Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Lincoln Chafee, Martin O’Malley,
Jim Webb
• Republican potential nominees – Jeb Bush, Donald Trump,
Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul etc.
• HOMEWORK – FIND UP-TO-DATE EXAMPLES!!!!
56. USA Participation Facts 2
• Campaigning – e.g. A supporter of the Democrat Party might support a
local candidate running for Senator by handing out leaflets, attending
rallies, helping to organise fundraising events. For example, in 2012,
Democrat and Republican supporters each raised over $1billion for their
parties which would go towards supporting their own candidates
campaigns for election or re-election.
• Interest groups/protesting – see examples of interest groups and
recent protests…are they effective? Is the introduction of gay
marriage partly because of public campaigns organised by groups like
“Freedom to Marry”?
• The NRA have a “Political Victory Fund” which it uses to give funding to
candidates in return for their support on gun ownership.
• In March 2011, Freedom to Marry launched an open letter calling on
Barack Obama to support same-sex marriage. Over 122,000 people
signed their names to the letter, including numerous celebrities, civic
leaders, and entrepreneurs. Barack Obama eventually became the first
sitting President to publically support gay marriage. Partly down to
campaigns? Maybe.
• Also see notes in booklet on minority representation – can use this to
show that some candidates have a better chance than others, i.e. white
males
• See notes at end of booklet on limitations of democracy – again will be
useful for knowledge and analysis for participation question
57. NRA Influence…
• In the 2010 midterm elections, the NRA endorsed candidates in
approximately two-thirds of congressional races and out of
those endorsed, 80% won their respective seats.
• In addition, the NRA also operates a rating system where it
ranks politicians based on their voting record on gun issues.
• The rating system ranges from “A” for candidates possessing an
excellent voting record on gun rights to “F” meaning true enemy
of gun rights.
• Through its rating system, the NRA has solidified its influence
in the halls of Congress by holding politicians accountable by
their voting records in gun policy.
• Some of the biggest NRA supporting politicians are Senator
John McCain (Republican), Representative Ron Paul (Republican),
Representative Michele Bachmann (Republican) and John
Boehner (Republican).
• See this article for more details:
http://mic.com/articles/21430/the-top-5-politicians-in-the-
pocket-of-the-nra
59. Interest Groups in the USA
• Another way that Americans can participate
in US politics is by joining an Interest Group.
• Interest groups try to use their influence to
persuade the public to put pressure on
politicians either to change or not to change
the law.
• Interest groups use many methods to get
their views heard.
60. Methods used by
Interest Groups
• Telephone campaigns – this is where
supporters of the interest group phone
people to influence them to sign
petitions, write to the President etc.
• Mailing Campaigns – The Interest Group
will write letters or send emails to get
people to join and support them.
61. Methods used by
Interest Groups
• Websites - that will give interested people
details of what the interest group stands
for and its campaigns.
• Leaflets – will be handed out to members
of the public to inform them who the group
are, what they stand for, campaigns they
are involved in and how the public can get
involved.
62. Methods used by
Interest Groups
• Campaign rallies, meetings and
demonstrations – these attract publicity as
the groups go out and march on the streets.
The media come along and cover the story and
give publicity to the Interest Group. This
spreads the message of what they stand for.
• Lobby Politicians – This is where members of
the Interest groups will go to the State or
Federal Government and speak directly to the
politicians. Some Interest Groups give money
to politicians so that the will support the
group once they are elected.
63. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
• American Association of Retired
Persons (AARP) – Aims to advance the
interests of the over 50s in issues such
as healthcare and pensions.
64. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
• Americans for Immigration Control
(AIC) – Aims to reduce immigration to
the USA, to deport illegal immigrants
and to end all public programmes that
help non-citizens.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5RTOiSZFI4 –
“Americans take action” clip by the Americans for
Immigration Control group
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-TY51N3Yyo –
“Borders out of control” by the Americans for
Immigration Control group
65. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) – Works to promote
individual rights for freedom in the
USA.
66. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
• National Council of la Raza – Aims to
reduce discrimination against Hispanics.
67. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
• National Rifle Association (NRA) –
aims to support the right of citizens to
own guns and to block attempts to
reduce gun control in the USA.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SAWeR6l-cs –
brief history of the NRA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJo2xlmT29I –
NRA advert
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdt6Jj64TVU –
why is the NRA so powerful?
68. Examples of Interest Groups in
the USA
• Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV)
– Aims to reduce death and injury
caused by gun availability.
70. The Powers of the President
and Checks and Balances
• Any questions related to limits to
government/executive or power of the
government/executive should include
the following information…
• Try to conduct your own research for
this also…find recent examples of
checks and balances in action…and
examples of recent presidential actions
etc.
71. The Powers of the President
The US President is elected every four
years. Presidents can only serve a
maximum of two terms.
•Be at least 35 years of age
•A natural born citizen
•Have lived in the USA for at least 14
years
72. The Powers of the President
• The president has many powers…but because
of the system of “checks and balances” there
are many checks on the power of the
president
• Article 11 of the US Constitution defines
the powers of the US President. It states
those powers the President can use without
Congressional approval and those where he
must seek Congressional approval.
• The next several slides outline the
president’s powers and also the checks on the
president’s powers
73. 1. Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces - Presidents have the
responsibility for defending the USA (response to ‘Twin Towers’)
including ordering troops overseas. Obama also gave the order to kill
Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Check - However, only Congress can declare war e.g. in Iraq or
Afghanistan. Treaties must also be approved by the Senate.
2. Power of appointment - The President appoints thousands of people
to help run the country. These include members of the US Cabinet (e.g.
Sec. of State Rex Tillerson, etc.).
Check - however, nominations for overseas ambassadors and Supreme
Court judges (e.g. Sonia Sotomayor, right) must have the approval of the
Senate.
The Powers of the President
74. 3. Legislative Power
Every January the President speaks to Congress in the State of the
Union Address. As well as reviewing the previous year, the President
outlines spending plans and any proposals for legislation, e.g. Obama
Care (Affordable Health Care Act). Trump is yet to have a State of the
Union as often presidents don’t make such an address in their first year
in office. He has addressed Congress though – see video on next slide.
Check: Presidents cannot introduce legislation, only members of Congress
have this right. Congress also controls the budget.
4. Power of veto. Before legislation becomes law, bills must be signed by
the President. If, however, the President disagrees with a new law they
can refuse to sign e.g. Bush vetoed Stem Cell Research Bill 2006, Child
Health Bill 2007 and ban on water torture 2008.
Check: Congress has power to override the Presidential veto if a Bill is
passed by two-thirds of the representatives of both Houses. One third
of President George Bush’s vetoes were overturned.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/28/senate-obama-
veto-september-11-bill-saudi-arabia - Obama Veto overridden
The Powers of the President
76. The Powers of the President
Powers of the President continued
5. Pocket veto. A ‘pocket veto’ is where a bill remains unsigned by the
President and there is insufficient time (i.e. less than 10 days before
Congress adjourns) for Congress to reject the Presidential veto.
Example: Obama returned an unsigned Bill about increased defence
spending in 2009.
Check: Some controversial pocket veto cases might go before the
Supreme Court and so presidents are reluctant to use them. Obama has
never used the pocket veto power. Bush only did once.
6. Executive Orders (EOs). The President can bypass Congress on
certain occasions by issuing Executive Orders. EOs, in effect, allow the
President to makes laws without Congressional approval.
Donald Trump has issued numerous EOs so far in his presidency,
including EOs related to immigration and Healthcare.
Check: Congress can impeach or remove a President if they suspect any
wrongdoing although use of this power this is very rare.
77. The Powers of the President
Check: Congress can impeach or remove a President if they suspect any
wrongdoing although use of this power this is very rare. Also…
Congress has the power to overturn an executive order by passing
legislation in conflict with it.
Congress can also refuse to provide funding necessary to carry out
certain policy measures contained with the order
The president retains the power to veto such a decision; however, the
Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds majority to end an
executive order.
It has been argued that a Congressional override of an executive order
is a nearly impossible event due to the supermajority vote required
78. The Powers of the President
Executive Orders (EOs) continued
President Obama released an executive order aimed at
enhancing the nation’s ability to defend against electronic
attacks.
Check: Congress can override an EO with a two thirds
majority vote
79. As the only person elected by all Americans, Presidents have
enormous power. In particular, popular Presidents with a like-minded
Congress have used their support to increase their power.
After the 9/11 attacks, Bush extended the power of the Presidency
by creating the Department of Homeland Security. In order to
fight terrorism, Bush argued, it was necessary for the President to
have greater powers of surveillance, arrest and detention.
But with the passing of the Patriot Act (2001), some
commentators argued that Presidential power had gone too far as
this Act gave the Attorney General the power to arrest anyone the
authorities suspected of terrorism even if the courts disagreed.
Note: In 2005, Congress checked the power of the president when
it refused to renew some parts of the Patriot Act although much of
it remains in place today.
The Powers of the President
80. The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court can also act as a check against the power of the
President and Congress. This is because the Supreme Court has the power
of judicial review and it can decide that any law passed by the President
and Congress is unconstitutional and therefore it cannot be applied
anywhere in the USA.
A decision of the Supreme Court cannot be appealed by any other court.
Landmark rulings:
Detainment of Terrorism Suspects 2008
Ruling made that foreign terrorist suspects detained at Guantanamo Bay in
Cuba have the right to challenge their detention in US courts.
Affordable Care 2012
In June 2012 the US Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act,
which allows the Federal government to force states to enforce the
provisions of the Affordable Care Act, so-called "Obama care."
The Powers of the President
81. The Supreme Court
If a Supreme Court judge retires or dies, the incumbent
(current) President can nominate a replacement.
Check – the Senate has to approve nominees with a majority
vote
In August 2009 Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic
Justice on the Supreme Court after the Senate approved
President Obama's nomination.
In August 2010, Elena Kagan became President Obama's
second appointment to the Supreme Court. Judges though
are not supposed to be partisan party appointees.
Membership of the Supreme Court
82. Recent Changes to US Supreme
Court
• Find out about recent changes to
Supreme Court and update notes
83. Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch
Checks on the
executive
•Power to declare war
•May override
presidential vetoes
•Senate approves
appointments
Checks on judiciary
•Senate approves
federal judges
•Power to initiate
constitutional
amendments
Checks on legislator
•Vice President is the
President of the Senate
•Power to use veto
Checks on judiciary
•Power to appoint
judges
•Pardon power
•Guardians of the
constitution
Checks on legislator
•Judicial review- ability
to declare a law
unconstitutional
Checks on the
executive
•Checks decisions made
by the president follow
the rules laid down by
the constitution
•Power to impeach
President
84. Example – making a new law
The president can propose changes in law but it is
Congress that must ultimately pass these changes
and present laws on behalf of the president.
However the President must sign laws. If the
president refuses to sign laws and uses the veto it
could be difficult for Congress to pass the new
law…although they can override a veto with a 2/3
majority.
Having said this, if the law is passed by Congress
and signed by the President, the Supreme Court
can still deem it unconstitutional and prevent it
from being upheld in the USA.
85. Congress
As the Executive and Legislator are elected separately, there is not a
guarantee that the President’s party will have control of the Legislature.
Obama is a Democrat but…
Currently…
Senate: Republican
HoR: Republican
Obama’s Health Bill
• Able to pass bill as at the time Congress was controlled by the
Democrats.
Obama and Supreme Court
• Obama was also able to appoint a Latino Liberal (pro-Democrat) Justice
to the Supreme Court as he had a Democrat Congress. Had the
Republicans controlled it, they would have blocked this appointment.
• If a place for the Supreme Court comes up today, any judge appointed
would likely be conservative (pro-Republican) as President and Congress
are Republican
86. Video Clips…
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqAM
kDstPiU - Obama’s speech after death
of Osama Bin Laden
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhmd
Eq3JhoY,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be6t
unbRcs8 – “Bushisms” – errors made by
President George Bush
88. Essay Question
The political system provides an effective check on
the government. Discuss with reference to a world
power you have studied.
• In this essay, you would discuss the POWERS of
the PRESIDENT and also the LIMITS TO THE
PRESIDENT’S POWER
• Best approach would be to take four powers of the
President, and within each paragraph describe the
powers and the limits (checks) on powers
• In the exam this question could be worded various
ways…anything that refers to powers of
government, checks, limits to government etc. will
probably be similar to this one.
89. Possible Plan for Essay
1. Commander in Chief of Armed Forces.
Power - 9/11, Bin Laden etc.
Check - only Congress can declare war.
Overall – power to an extent…but…
2. Power of Appointment.
Power – can appoint Supreme Court Justices etc.
Check – must be confirmed by the Senate
Overall – power to an extent…but…
3. Legislative Power.
Power – State of the Union, spending plans
Check – Congress controls budget, introduces bills
Overall – power to an extent…but…
4. Power of Veto.
Power – Veto bills from legislative branch
Check – Congress can over-ride with 2/3 majority
Overall – power to an extent…but…
90. Marking instructions…
Credit reference to aspects of the following:
The powers of the US president include:
• determine foreign policy and diplomacy
• propose legislation
• issue executive orders
• submit the budget to Congress — but can refuse to release
money for legislation that he/she disapproves of
• adjourn/recall Congress at any time
• make appointments
• Commander in Chief of armed forces
• negotiates treaties
• veto
91. Marking instructions…
Limits on the US president by the Congress may include:
• may impeach the president (House of Representatives)
• conducts the trial for impeachment (Senate)
• ‘filibuster’ and delay legislation — this usually results in a forced
compromise with the president
• make it difficult/delay bills getting through Congress if there are
divisions between Congress and the president or within their own party
• Supreme Court recommendations must be approved by the Senate
• many appointments subject to approval by US Senate
• refuse to pass any laws during special sessions called by the president
• Congress declares war and allocates money to fund it
• Congress scrutinises any treaties and a 2/3 Senate majority is
required to ratify them
92. Marking instructions…
Powers of the US Supreme Court which may include:
• declare executive orders unconstitutional (judicial review)
• Credit also:
• powers of the states
• role of the media
• role of interest groups
• Any other valid point that meets the criteria described in the
general marking principles for this kind of question.
94. Minorities and the
Political Process
• In the exam, you may be asked about
“influencing the political process and
opportunities for participation”.
• This means you might get a question
about groups which may have a lack of
opportunity in terms of participating
politically.
• If this question comes up, you would
focus on how ethnic minorities face
inequalities in the US political system.
95. Minorities and the Political Process
• With the election of President Obama it could
be argued that a person’s ethnic background is
no longer important in politics.
• However, despite winning the election, Obama’s
opponent in 2008 (McCain) polled marginally
more of the total White vote than he did. In
2012, Romney again won the white vote.
• Also, in many of the States of the South and
Mid West, Obama attracted little support
outside minority groups. Race is still, therefore,
important in US elections…but to what extent?
96. • Historically, fewer Blacks and other minorities have turned out
to vote than Whites (see graph below). In recent years,
however, the number of Blacks and Hispanics registering and
voting has increased.
• In 2008, around 64% of Whites voted but for the first time a
greater number of Blacks voted (74%). In addition, 44% of
Hispanics and 29% of Asians also cast their vote. Why?
• Obama – For the first time in history
a non-White candidate was nominated by
one of the two major parties. 95% of
Blacks voted for Obama along with 66%
of Hispanics. Obama was also seen by
enough Whites as someone who would
unite the country and bring economic
stability.
Minorities and the Political Process
97. Minority Representation in
the US Cabinet
Minorities and the
Political Process
Apart from Obama, there are a number of people
from ethnic minority backgrounds in the US Cabinet
including:
• Ken Salazar (Hisp.) – Sec. of the Interior (above)
•Eric Holder (Black) – Attorney General
•Hilda Solis (API) – Secretary of Labor
•Gary Locke (API) – Secretary of Commerce
•Steve Chu (API) – Secretary for Energy
•Eric Shinseki (API) – Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs
98. Overview of the 113th Congress
• The 113th US Congress was the 2014 meeting of the legislature
of the US Federal Government. It was the most diverse Congress
in US history.
• However, although minority representation has improved in
Congress, Blacks, Hispanics and Asians remain under-represented
in the US Congress. Most lawmakers are white men.
Minority Representation in 113th Congress
Black Senators - 1 out of 100 – Tim Scott, below (first Black
Senator since 1979), Black Congressmen/women - 42 out of 435.
Hispanic Senators 3; Congressmen 29.
API Senators 1; Congressmen 10.
Native American Congressmen - 2
Minorities and the Political Process
99. 114th Congress is most diverse
ever
• This Congress began in January 2015
• Overall, non-whites (including blacks,
Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders and
Native Americans) make up 17% of the
new Congress, but that is below these
groups’ 38% share of the nation’s
population.
• This is an improvement – the 107th
Congress took office in 2001 and
minorities only accounted for 12% of
Congress
100. Minorities and the Political Process –
The Supreme Court and Elsewhere
• There are nine Supreme Court judges. Until
recently, only one was from a minority group –
Judge Clarence Thomas. However, the first
Hispanic Supreme Court judge was recently
appointed - Sonia Sotomayor.
• There have only ever been four Black State
Governors including NY State’s David Paterson.
At the time of writing, there are no Hispanic
Governors although there is one Indian-American
Louisiana Governor ‘Bobby’ Jindal.
• There are many people from ethnic minority
groups who are city mayors including Douglas
Palmer, Trenton New Jersey’s first Black mayor.
Overall, however, minorities remain under-
represented in US politics.
102. Influence in Key States/
Regionality
• Mexico border states – Hispanic
influence
• Growing population of Hispanics…but
illegals so…
• Blacks in Southern states
• Black Caucus and Hispanic caucus
110. Possible Exam Question
1. To what extent are some citizens in a
world power you have studied
disadvantaged politically?
20 marks
111. Marking Instructions
• Answers may refer to:
• Minorities make up 30%+ of US population and
climbing; for presidential election, minority voters
often concentrated in key ‘swing states’ giving
disproportionate influence in those states eg
California, Texas, New York and Florida.
• Blacks 12% US population; Hispanics 14+%; Asians 5%.
Growing importance of Hispanic vote in closely divided
states of Colorado, New Mexico, California, Arizona &
Nevada in relation to presidential electoral college
votes.
112. Marking Instructions
• Minority groups are less likely to register or to vote in
elections but gap is closing. Hispanics made up 10% total
vote 2012. Impact in ‘swing states’ of Colorado and
Nevada.
• As many as 14m minorities are illegal and are not allowed
to vote.
• Influence of Black Caucus and Hispanic Caucus.
• Most Blacks and Hispanics vote Democratic 2012 – 93%
Blacks voted for Obama, 71% Hispanics. 60% Whites
overall voted for Romney.
• White and Asian voters more mixed; Whites marginally
favoured Republicans in 2008 and 2012.
• Greater representation of minority groups within
Democrat Party at all levels.
113. Marking Instructions
Other factors affecting voting in the US include:
• Wealthier people of whatever ethnic minority more likely
to favour Republicans; poorest more likely to vote
Democrat (if they do vote)
• issue voting inc. the economy/ unemployment, Obama’s
healthcare proposals, etc.
• image of candidate Obama and McCain (age, experience);
Obama and Romney (experience, background)
• regionality North East/West traditionally more
democratic and liberal; South and Mid-West Republican
and socially conservative
• gender
• traditionally Democrats more interventionist; Republicans
much less so.
115. How Democratic is the USA?
• In the exam, you might be asked about the
extent to which the USA is democratic.
• The Bill of Rights which we have looked at
previously details the rights US citizens
are supposed to have.
• However, the following slides contain
criticisms of US democracy.
• If an essay comes up on this topic, be sure
to give both sides.
116. Possible Questions
• To what extent can a world power you
have studied be considered democratic?
20 marks
• For a world power you have
studied…Evaluate the extent to which
democracy exists. 12 marks
117. Criticisms of US “Democracy”
Criticisms of
US Democracy
Difficulties with
voter registration
Lack of choice of
political parties
Freedom of speech
- Treatment of
Edward Snowden
Campaign Finance –
corrupt?
Illegal wars – Iraq?
Voter apathy – low
turnout
Lack of progress
for minorities
118. Voter Registration
• Like in the UK, Americans
must be registered if they
want to vote in elections
• Sometimes this can be
difficult and so many potential
voters are unable to vote
• Only 51% of Hispanic potential
voters are registered in the
USA
• This may be due to language
barriers as Spanish rather
than English is some people’s
first language
• This is certainly a limitation of
democracy in the USA as many
Americans are unable to vote.
119. Lack of choice of parties
• There are only 2 main parties in the
USA – the Republicans and the
Democrats (a “two party system”)
• This means that in most US elections
there are only two real candidates –
one from each party.
• This does not offer the US voter
much choice and because these
parties are so dominant it could be
argued that it is undemocratic.
• Third strongest party is the
Libertarian Party – not a force in US
politics.
• Some smaller groups have broken
from the main parties so that their
different views can be heard, for
example the Tea Party group is a
right-wing group associated with the
Republican Party.
120. Campaign Finance – Corrupt?
• Campaign finance is a
controversial issue in the US
• This is about the money which
the Democrats and Republicans
raise in order to fund their
campaigns.
• Especially significant in
presidential elections
• In the 2012 election, President
Obama raised $1.2 billion on his
campaign and his rival Mitt
Romney raised and $1.18 billion.
• This suggests that you can
“buy your way” into the White
House…which is undemocratic.
121. Campaign Finance – Corrupt?
• Also, the two parties receive huge
donations from individuals and
companies.
• Sometimes the Republican Party are
accused of being “too cosy” with big
Oil Companies like Shell.
• In 2010, the big oil companies in the
US donated £21.8 billion to the
Republican Party.
• This suggests that companies are
expecting something back in return
so are bribing politicians to make
laws which favour oil companies.
122. Illegal wars - Iraq
• The 2003 invasion of Iraq,
authorised by US President George
Bush, have since been alleged to
have been an illegal war.
• The invasion was not authorised by
the United Nations (UN) and so
America broke international law by
getting involved.
• Hundreds of American soldiers have
been killed or wounded in the
conflict since 2003 but perhaps
they should never have been sent
there.
• It could be argued that this is a
limitation of US democracy as
American citizens have been sent to
fight and die in a war which many
people think should never have
taken place.
123. Treatment of Edward Snowden
– Freedom of Speech?
• In 2013, a computer specialist called Edward
Snowden who worked for the CIA leaked
classified documents to the press.
• It has been called the most significant leak of
classified material in US history
• He gave documents to newspapers such as the
Washington Post which showed that the US
government had a global surveillance operation
where millions of people’s telephone calls, emails
and internet activities were being monitored and
recorded.
• Many people criticised him for breaking US law
but others see him as a hero because he
informed the public about things the
government were doing that he thought were
wrong.
• It could be argued then that a limitation of US
democracy is that the government is able to
keep secrets from the public and prosecute
anyone that reveals them – against freedom of
speech?
• Snowden fled to Russia where he now lives and
will almost certainly go to prison if he ever
returns to the USA
124. Voter apathy – low turnout
• It could be argued that democracy is
limited in the US because millions of
Americans do not bother to vote.
• Only 57.5% of Americans voted in the
2012 Presidential election.
• It could be argued that this election
was not fully representative of the
American public.
• The reasons for not voting may be
because of voter apathy (not caring) and
also because of the language barrier
that Hispanic voters are faced with.
• In addition, many Americans see
politicians as corrupt and do not thing
their vote will change anything.
• Turnout in local elections and state
elections is significantly lower in many
states such as Hawaii.
• Perhaps this is a limitation of US
democracy as not all Americans actually
take part.
125. Lack of Progress for minorities
• You can also refer back to your notes on
ethnic minorities for this section.
• The fact that some minority groups are
under-represented and have been for a
long time is a possible criticism of US
democracy…but on the flip side you
could also talk about how progress has
been made – i.e. Barack Obama is the
first ethnic minority President etc.
126. Is the USA Democratic or not?
• The table on the following slide could be
used to help you answer the following
question:
• For a world power you have
studied…Evaluate the extent to which
democracy exists. 12 marks
127. Democratic Undemocratic
Rights guaranteed in Constitution (Bill of
Rights)
Freedom of speech – Edward Snowden, CIA
spying on citizens
Able to vote for representatives in elections at
local, state and federal level. E.g. 1 million posts
from president to dogcatcher
Launching illegal wars? Iraq 2003 – not
sanctioned by UN. Many US citizens dead or
injured
Right to protest – pressure groups…e.g. the
NRA. Allowed to criticise government
Two party system – Only worth voting Democrat
or Republican
Right to a fair trial – legal rights in court.
e.g. right to an attorney
Patriot Act – police/FBI can hold suspected
terrorists without charge for 90 days – against
civil liberties? Human rights? Unconstitutional?
Anyone (of age) can stand as a candidate in
elections…male, female, black, white etc…
Voter apathy – turnout is very low (58% in 2012
Presidential election) – people don’t care about
government – don’t think voting makes a
difference?
Checks and balances…balance of power. No
one part of federal government becomes
too powerful
Need money to become president or
representative – no presidents from poor
backgrounds. Campaign finance.
Freedom of religion, assembly etc… Corruption – e.g. oil companies/private health
care donations to Republican Party.
Representatives “bought” by companies – get
“cosy” jobs after leaving politics
128. Possible Plan
Para 1
K – Democratic because right to vote – give
examples and explain why this makes US
democratic
K – However, lack of choice of parties –
explain how this shows that US not fully
democratic
E – Sum-up – how democratic is the USA in
terms of voting/party system? Use your
judgement
129. Para 2
K – Progress - CBC and Hispanic Caucus and
Conference, and also more minorities in
Congress
K – However, lack representation of
minorities still very low overall
E – Sum-up – how democratic is the USA in
terms of minority influence in Congress?
Progress made? To what extent?
