The American Model Flashcards
What is Steinmo’s Evaluation of USA government
Complicated tax system
Not a free market
Highly unequal society
Extensive, expensive welfare state
Middle + upper class are major beneficiaries
Individualism instead of public good
American people hate US government
What is the Adversarial Model?
“An increasingly incoherent political system and consequentially an increasingly frustrated and alienated nation” (Steinmo 2010, p. 150)
Fragmentation of Power (Vertical + Horizontal): vertically (federalism dividing authority among federal, state, and local governments) and horizontally (separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches) → This structure often leads to policy gridlock and incoherent governance, as multiple veto points make comprehensive reform challenging.
Anti-state attitudes (since 1980s): Since the 1980s, there has been a rise in anti-government sentiments, emphasizing individualism and skepticism toward federal authority. This cultural shift has hindered the expansion of social programs and fostered resistance to centralized policy making.
Every man (or special interest group) for itself: The political landscape is heavily influenced by special interest groups and lobbyists, leading to policymaking that often prioritizes narrow interests over the common good. This dynamic contributes to public frustration and a sense of alienation from the political process.
Hidden Welfare State (tax expenditures): The U.S. employs a “hidden” welfare system, providing social benefits through tax expenditures and subsidies rather than direct government programs. This approach obscures the extent of government support and often benefits higher-income individuals disproportionately.
SMP Elections: The electoral system favors a two-party structure, limiting political diversity and reinforcing adversarial politics. It often results in “winner-takes-all” outcomes, marginalizing smaller parties and alternative voices.
Lawsuits: The U.S. has a high propensity for litigation, with courts frequently used to resolve political and policy disputes. This reliance on judicial intervention reflects and reinforces the adversarial nature of the political system.
What is USA Protective Liberal Democracy
Designed to prevent both dictatorship and rule by the masses.
Political Participation in the form of periodic elections – serves instrumental purpose
Free Circulation of Information – to exchange ideas, keep public better informed
State Power – Intentionally divided and limited: Governmental authority is divided among executive, legislative, and judicial branches to provide checks and balances.
Negative Freedom – Citizens and their property protected from state violence
Civil liberties: constitutionally protected right (like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly) → central to the democratic framework
Electoral system: single-member plurality system → often results in two party dominance
What is USA Legislative Representation like
Over-representation of two largest parties
58% prefer a ‘third party’
35% satisfied with the two largest parties: A significant portion of the electorate expresses a preference for viable third-party options, indicating dissatisfaction with the current two-party system
Most representatives got less than 50% of votes
Two largest parties are same on many issues
Women under-represented in Congress: Women constitute approximately 50.5% of the U.S. population but hold only about 28.7% of seats in Congress, indicating underrepresentation (as of 2025 jan)
Young people under-represented
Disadvantaged ethnicities under-represented
Small states get more seats than large states
Need 60% of votes to pass US Senate: can lead to stalemates and hinder legislative processes
What are the positive aspects of the US Model?
Checks and Balances promote political stability: The U.S. Constitution establishes a system where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches can limit each other’s powers, preventing any single branch from becoming too dominant. This separation of powers is fundamental to maintaining a balanced government.
– US Democracy has lasted over 200 years
– Federalism, Bicameralism, Presidentialism, Supreme Court, Free Press, etc.
Alternation and Rotation of ruling elites (8-yr maximum): allows political stability and regular opportunities for votes to hold leaders accountable through elections
Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly: protection of civil liberties
– Facilitates diversity of lifestyles, opinions, viewpoints
Media serves as Watchdog (check against corruption)
Strong National Defense (protects national security)
Heavy Investment in Education, Research, Science, Tech
Civic Nationalism (not based on ethnicity or race)
International Democracy Promotion: reflects its commitment to the spread of democratic ideals
Affluent, Prosperous Country despite inequality, poverty
What are some of the key Strengths and Weaknesses of Public Policy Making in the USA?
Strengths of the U.S. Public Policy-Making
1. Checks and Balances
The separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches ensures that no single entity holds unchecked authority. This structure promotes accountability and prevents authoritarianism.
- Federalism
By allocating powers between federal and state governments, the U.S. allows for policy experimentation at the state level, enabling tailored solutions to local issues and fostering innovation. - Robust Civil Liberties
Constitutional protections for freedoms such as speech, press, and assembly empower citizens to participate actively in the policy-making process and hold leaders accountable. - Independent Judiciary
An autonomous judicial branch can review and overturn policies that violate constitutional principles, serving as a critical check on legislative and executive actions. - Dynamic Civil Society
A vibrant network of non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and think tanks contributes to a diverse policy discourse, introducing varied perspectives and expertise into the decision-making process.
Weaknesses of U.S. Public Policy-Making
1. Partisan Polarization
Deep ideological divides between major political parties often lead to legislative gridlock, hindering the passage of comprehensive policies and fostering public disillusionment.
- Influence of Special Interests
Lobbyists and well-funded interest groups can exert disproportionate influence on policy outcomes, sometimes at the expense of the broader public interest. - Complex Legislative Processes
The intricate procedures for enacting legislation, including multiple veto points and the necessity for supermajority votes in certain cases, can delay or derail policy initiatives. - Underrepresentation of Certain Groups
Demographic disparities in political representation mean that the interests of women, minorities, and younger citizens may be inadequately reflected in policy decisions. - Short-Term Focus
Electoral cycles and the emphasis on immediate political gains can discourage long-term planning, resulting in policies that address symptoms rather than root causes of issues.
Compare USA and Nordic countries
Film 1: how trump is playing the media
Film 2: why finland and denmark are happier than the USA
Comparing USA and Nordic Countries
United States: Media Manipulation and Political Polarization
Media Strategy and Political Influence: The documentary How Trump Is Playing the Media illustrates how former President Donald Trump adeptly utilized media platforms to his advantage. By dominating news cycles and framing narratives, he maintained a strong presence in public discourse.
Polarization and Institutional Trust: The U.S. political landscape is marked by significant polarization, often exacerbated by media strategies that prioritize sensationalism over substantive reporting. This environment can lead to diminished trust in institutions and challenges in achieving bipartisan consensus.
Economic Prosperity Amid Inequality: While the U.S. boasts a robust economy and technological innovation, it grapples with pronounced income inequality and disparities in access to healthcare and education.
Nordic Countries: Social Cohesion and Well-Being
High Levels of Happiness: The documentary Why Finland and Denmark Are Happier Than the USA highlights factors contributing to the high happiness rankings of these countries, including strong social safety nets, equitable wealth distribution, and a focus on work-life balance.
Trust in Institutions: Citizens in Finland and Denmark exhibit high levels of trust in their governments and public institutions, which is reinforced by transparent governance and effective public services.
Universal Healthcare and Education: Access to universal healthcare and free education reduces socioeconomic disparities and promotes social mobility, contributing to overall societal well-being.
Why do Americans’ beliefs about their political system differ from reality?
Americans often hold idealized views of their political system (e.g., democracy, equality, responsiveness) that clash with reality due to:
- Partisan polarization and exhaustion: 65% of Americans feel “exhausted” by politics, and 86% believe parties prioritize fighting over problem-solving .
- Elite dominance: Wealthy individuals and interest groups disproportionately influence policy, while average citizens feel underrepresented .
- Institutional distrust: Only 16% trust the federal government, and 63% lack confidence in the political system’s future.
Steinmo argues that the U.S. system’s complexity and historical path dependence (e.g., federalism, checks and balances) create gaps between rhetoric and outcomes .
Why has the idea of “limited government” become popular in the US? Does the US have a ‘limited government’?
Popularity: Rooted in Enlightenment ideals (e.g., Locke, Montesquieu) and anti-statist traditions (e.g., Revolutionary War, frontier individualism) .
Reality: The U.S. government is not “limited” in practice:
Federal spending exceeds $6 trillion annually, with significant roles in defense, social programs, and regulation .
While the Constitution enumerates powers, agencies like the EPA and Social Security administer vast interventions .
Steinmo notes the U.S. combines “limited government” rhetoric with expansive state capacity, especially post-New Deal .
How high are social expenditures in the US?
Mandatory spending (e.g., Social Security, Medicare) dominates the budget, totaling ~$3.7 trillion in 2023 .
However, the U.S. spends less on social programs (e.g., healthcare, education) as a % of GDP compared to peers like Sweden .
Are taxes low or high in the US? Is the tax system simple or complicated?
Tax levels: Moderate by global standards. Top marginal rate is 37%, but effective rates vary due to deductions .
Complexity: The tax code is notoriously convoluted, with 300+ annual changes (e.g., stimulus bills) and reliance on incentives . Steinmo ties this to the U.S.’s adversarial policymaking style .
Who receives the most social benefits from the government in the US?
Elderly: Social Security and Medicare account for ~60% of mandatory spending .
Corporations and wealthy: Tax breaks (e.g., capital gains rates) and subsidies disproportionately benefit higher earners .
Do employees have much job security in the US? Are there many temporary workers?
Job security: Declining due to at-will employment and outsourcing. Only 10% of workers are unionized .
Temporary work: Growing, with 10–15% of the workforce in gig/temp roles, driven by employer cost-cutting .
Is the American system designed to provide rule by the majority or rule by elites?
Elitism : Congress is dominated by millionaires (median net worth: $1M+), and Ivy League-educated leaders are overrepresented .
Pluralist counterbalance: Interest groups (e.g., unions, lobbies) compete, but wealthier groups (e.g., Chamber of Commerce) outspend others .
Steinmo highlights how the U.S. system’s fragmentation (e.g., federalism, veto points) entrenches elite influence .
Why has the labor union movement been consistently weak in the US?
Structural barriers: Weak labor laws (e.g., no sectoral bargaining), employer opposition, and “right-to-work” laws .
Cultural factors: Individualism and anti-union narratives undermine collective action .
Why is the US sometimes called a ‘hidden’ welfare state?
Tax expenditures: Benefits (e.g., mortgage interest deductions, 401(k) subsidies) flow disproportionately to the wealthy but aren’t counted as “spending” .
Private provision: Healthcare and pensions are employer-based, obscuring state support .
Why did the US become a dominant international power after World War II?
Steinmo emphasizes:
Economic capacity: Unscathed industrial base post-WWII.
Institutional innovation: Bretton Woods system, dollar hegemony.
Military expansion: Cold War defense spending cemented global influence
How progressive is the US tax system?
Nominally progressive: Top 1% pay 24% of federal taxes, but loopholes (e.g., carried interest) reduce effective rates .
Regressive elements: Payroll taxes (Social Security) cap at $168,600 (2024), burdening middle earners .
What role has race and racism played in US politics?
Historical exclusion: Poll taxes, gerrymandering, and felony disenfranchisement targeted minorities .
Policy disparities: Redlining and welfare restrictions perpetuated inequality .
How have tax cuts launched in the 1980s impacted the delivery of public policies in the US?
Revenue decline: Top marginal rate dropped from 70% (1980) to 37%, starving social programs .
Inequality surge: Wealth concentration eroded funding for education/infrastructure .
Who benefits most from the fragmented US political system?
Wealthy elites and corporations: Exploit veto points (e.g., Senate filibuster) to block redistribution .
Interest groups: Lobbyists dominate policymaking (e.g., 2023 Chamber of Commerce spending: $69.6M vs. AFL-CIO’s $5.2M) .
