The USA Flashcards
What was the population of the United States of America in 2021?
331.9 million
As of 2021, white Americans represented what percentage of the population?
75.8%
What is the constitution?
A set of rules that outlines how the rules for how the government should be run
What does the constitution guarantee?
The fundamental rights all citizens
What are the three branches of government?
The Executive
The Legislative
The Judicial
What does the constitution set out?
Who has and does not have power in the government
What does the legislative branch refer to?
The people who make the laws in the US
What does the executive branch refer to?
It carries out the laws
What does the judicial branch refer to?
The court system that operates
What else is the legislative branch known as?
Congress
What are three roles of the legislative branch?
To write federal laws
To set how much is to be paid in tax
To scrutinise the Executive
What two chambers make up Congress?
The House of Representatives
The Senate
What act was passed in 2020 to encourage former soldiers to become scientists?
The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act
What act was passed in 2019 to stop people making animal crush videos?
The PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) Act
How many new judges did Congress approve for the Supreme Court were chosen by Donald Trump?
2
In 2019, what were some people unhappy with?
How President Donald Trump was acting with Ukraine
What else is the executive branch known as?
The Office of the President
What are four roles of the executive branch?
To be the main ambassador
To lead the armed forces
To select judges to sit on the Supreme Court
To run the Federal Government
As the US representative around the world what did Joe Biden sign in 2021?
A new global climate change deal in Glasgow
As the leader of the US army Joe Biden ordered military help be given to who in 2022?
Ukraine following the invasion by Russia
The US President is in charge of the Federal Government so Joe Biden ordered an end to what?
Private Federal Prisons
The US President is in charge of the Federal Government so Joe Biden ordered the establishment of what?
A Gender Equality Council to reduce poverty and improve gender equality in the US
The US President is in charge of the Federal Government so Joe Biden ordered the setting up of what?
A Space Council to plan US government action in Space
What are the two main roles of the Judicial branch?
To make sure that everyone in the US is following the laws as set out in the constitution
To settle disputes
How many judges make up the Supreme Court?
9
What did the Supreme Court approve in recent years?
Same-Sex Marriage in all 50 states cancelling out some bans that had been put in place
What did the Supreme Court stop?
Donald Trump’s first travel ban as it found it discriminated against people based on religion
What are four ways American citizens can participate in politics?
Stand as a candidate
Vote
Protest
Join a political party
Describe how Americans can stand as a candidate.
The United States offers numerous opportunities for individuals to run for and be elected to various positions of power and authority. From local offices like dog catcher or school board member to state and federal positions like mayor, governor, senator, and president, there are a wide range of positions that Americans can seek to hold.
Give an example of American citizens standing as candidates.
The 2020 presidential election was indeed a significant event in which Joe Biden ran as the Democratic candidate against the incumbent president, Donald Trump, who was the Republican candidate. Joe Biden won the election and became the 46th President of the United States.
Describe how Americans can vote.
The United States offers its citizens numerous opportunities to participate in the democratic process by casting their votes in various elections. The range of positions that individuals can vote for is indeed extensive, including local offices like sheriffs, city council members, state positions such as senators and governors, and the highest office in the land, the presidency.
Who were the two major candidates Americans could choose from in the 2020 President election?
The incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden
Who can vote in the USA?
Anyone over the age of 18 that is registered to vote
What does voting allow?
People the opportunity to directly choose representatives, which they think will best represent them
What percentage of the eligible populationturned outfor the2020presidential election?
About two-thirds (66%)
Why are protests effective at grabbing the public’s attention?
They get significant media coverage They also put pressure on representatives as people become aware of issues around the country
Describe how Americans can protest.
Citizens in the USA have the freedom to engage in protests as a fundamental aspect of the country’s democratic principles. Protests are a common form of political expression, and they often involve large numbers of people who want to voice their concerns and opinions on various important issues.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, there were numerous protests and demonstrations about what?
His positions on women’s rights, immigration policies, LGBTQ+ issues, and his response to mass shootings
What was ‘March for our lives’?
A student led protest/movement in support of laws to prevent gun violence in the USA
Where did the main ‘March for our lives’ protest take place?
Washington DC
How many other ‘March for our lives’ related protests were there across the world?
880
What is the ‘Black lives matter’ movement?
A campaign against institutionalised violence and discrimination of black people, especially from police officers
Describe how Americans can join political parties.
Americans have the right to join political parties of their choice. Joining a political party is a way for individuals to actively participate in the political process, support candidates who align with their values and beliefs, and help shape the party’s platform and priorities.
What are the two major political parties in the USA?
The Democratic Party
The Republican Party
What do the Democrat Party believe in?
They lean centre-left and support a larger government role in areas like healthcare and education
What do the Republican Party believe in?
They lean centre-right and advocates for limited government involvement in the economy
How many Presidents have been an ethnic minority?
1 - Barack Obama Obama is the only President to have an ethnic minority background
How many Presidents have been female?
0 - There has never been a female President or even a female Presidential candidate before 2016
What percentage of Congress are white? And how does this compare to the US population?
Roughly three-quarters of Congress compared to 60% of the population
What percentage of Congress are Black? And how does this compare to the US population?
11% of Congress are Black compared with 14% of the population
What percentage of Congress are Hispanic? And how does this compare to the US population?
10% of Congress are Hispanic compared with 19% of the population
What percentage of Congress are Asian or Pacific Islanders? And how does this compare to the US population?
3% of Congress are Asian or Pacific Islanders compared to 6% of the population
What percentage of Congress are Native American? And how does this compare to the US population?
1% of Congress are Native American and this in line with the population
What percentage of women make up the 118th Congress?
28% – the highest percentage in US history and a considerable increase from where things stood even a decade ago
Counting both the House of Representatives and the Senate, how many women are voting and non-voting members of Congress?
153 of 540
How many women are serving on the House of Representatives?
128
How many women hold a seat in the Senate?
25
What are the four reasons for underrepresentation?
Sexism
The Incumbency effect
Cost of US elections
Racism
Explain why sexism puts women off standing in elections.
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 ideas and experience.
What happened to the Governor of Missouri?
Fox TV station had a piece about her appearance
Explain why the incumbency effect causes underrepresentation.
This is the idea that once you are elected it’s easier to stay in office as you get all the tax payer paid benefits to help you such as paying for letters to all voters on what you have done in office
Why is it easier for males to become President?
As most people who run for president tend to first be Governors or in Congress, it is less surprising they can use that position to then get elected president
Explain why the cost of US elections causes underrepresentation.
The US is such a big country and taking part in politics means you need a lot of money to get elected
Candidates in US elections must raise huge sums of money to fight elections and pay for teams to help them
What groups are more likely to live in poverty and so are less able to afford the costs of taking time off work or running an election campaign?
Women and ethnic minorities
What was the estimated cost of the US presidential election in 2020?
$14 billion
Explain why racism puts ethnic minorities off standing for election.
Ethnic minorities face discrimination and prejudice from white voters who are reluctant to vote for them
When ethnic minorities see how others who do stand are treated and abused it can put them off standing
What happened to Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 election?
She was often mocked openly, even by fellow senators.
How big is America’s economy?
The world’s largest national economy
The USA is the richest country in the world. What does this mean?
This means that the strength or weakness of its economy will be a concern to every other country in the world. If its economy is doing well then that will have a positive impact on the world through increased trade and tourism. If the US economy isn’t doing well then that might result in job losses in countries around the world.
The United States is a significant source of tourism for where?
Scotland
What is the employment count in Scotland attributed to American companies?
90,000
In South Ayrshire, how are jobs influenced by American tourists?
Many people’s jobs in South Ayrshire are dependent on the influx of American tourists who come to play golf, as well as the employment opportunities created by Donald Trump’s ownership and investment in Trump Turnberry
In 2022, which country held the top spot as Scotland’s largest international source market, considering the number of visits, nights spent, and overall expenditure?
America
How many trips did Americans make to Scotland in 2022, and what was their total expenditure during that period?
Americans made over 693,000 trips to Scotland, contributing a substantial total expenditure of £1,197 million
How much were goods and services sold to the USA by Scottish businesses in 2017?
In 2017, Scottish businesses sold goods and services totalling over £5.5 billion to the USA
What is the estimated share of the United States in the world’s GDP, making it one of the most economically influential countries?
The United States is thought to contribute around 25% of the world’s GDP
What significant role does the United States play in global agriculture, particularly in the production of crops?
The United States is a major global supplier of crops, providing significant percentages such as 43% of corn, 50% of soybeans, and 25% of wheat worldwide
In 2015, what was the per capita income in the United States, and how does it compare to other developed countries?
In 2015, the per capita income in the United States was $56,300, one of the highest among developed nations
What percentage of the world’s trade takes place between the United States and the European Union countries?
Approximately one-third of the world’s entire trade occurs between the United States and the European Union countries
Which country is the United Kingdom’s largest single trading partner?
The United States
Name seven American companies that were among the top 10 in terms of ‘brand value’ in 2022.
Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Visa and Facebook
What are some examples of American brands that have a global presence, extending even to countries like Russia and China?
American brands with a global presence include McDonald’s, Burger King, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, and Adidas, among others
How have American influences been described in terms of their impact on cultures around the world?
American influences are believed to have led to the ‘Americanisation’ of various cultures globally
In 2022, which American-owned fast-food brands were among the most popular in the UK?
KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and McDonald’s
What is the percentage contribution of the United States to the UN, in terms of its GDP, and how much did this represent in terms of international aid in 2013?
£12.5 billion
What percentage of the Federal budget is allocated to the US Agency for International Development (USAID)?
1%
How many missions and partnerships is USAID involved in globally?
87 missions and 3500 partnerships
Why is the American economy considered important to the rest of the world
The American economy is crucial globally because a downturn in the American economy has historically had widespread impacts on economies, as observed in 1929 and 2008
Why do the politics of the USA have the potential to affect the whole world?
The politics of the USA have a global impact due to its significant power, influencing the world economy, the actions of other countries, and even global peace
What role did President Obama play in the Paris Climate Agreement?
President Obama played a key role in getting world powers like China and India to sign the Paris Climate Agreement
What action did President Donald Trump take regarding the Paris Climate Agreement, and what was the reason behind it?
President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the USA from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing the belief among many of his supporters that climate change is not a valid concern
What is the status of America’s military strength compared to other countries?
America’s military superiority is unrivalled, as it possesses one of the largest and most well-funded militaries globally
The United States is the largest spender on arms and equipment, boasting the world’s largest navy and air force
How does America’s military power serve as a deterrent and protective measure on the global stage?
The capability to protect itself and its allies, exemplified by commitments to countries like South Korea and Taiwan, creates a deterrent effect on potential aggressors
Can you provide an example of how the US uses its military power to reassure and protect allies?
The US is committed to protecting South Korea from North Korean attacks and assisting Taiwan if threatened by China
Which country was the last to declare war on the United States before World War II, and why has no country declared war on the US since then?
Japan was the last country to declare war on the United States before World War II
Since then, no country has declared war on the US, primarily due to the formidable power of the US military, which serves as a powerful deterrent
In 2020, despite the killing of one of its top leaders by the USA, why did Iran not declare war on the United States?
This can be attributed to the overwhelming military strength of the USA, which acts as a deterrent
How many aircraft carriers does the United States have, and how does this number compare to its closest rivals?
The United States has 11 aircraft carriers, surpassing its closest rivals, including China (2), Russia (1), France (1), and the UK (1 with a second under construction)
In 2019, who did the USA target and eliminate in Syria, and what unique aspect of this operation is mentioned?
The leader of Daesh (ISIS) in Syria
This operation was conducted without the permission of the Syrian Government
How does the USA’s military spending compare to the combined military spending of the next 10 countries?
The USA spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined
What was the proposed budget for the Trump administration’s military infrastructure initiative in Europe in 2019, and what was its primary objective?
The Trump administration proposed spending $828 million in 2019 to build up military infrastructure in Europe
The primary objective of this initiative was to deter Russian aggression and reinforce allies in the region, with almost half of the construction funding allocated to US Air Force projects
What role has America played in various world conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries?
Participation as a member of NATO, the UN, independent actions, or alliances with Britain
What action has the Biden administration taken regarding Afghanistan, and what does it signify?
The Biden administration has initiated the withdrawal from Afghanistan, signifying the conclusion of the operation
What is the belief associated with the American Dream regarding success?
The belief associated with the American Dream is that success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance
What was the median household income in the USA at the end of 2021?
$70,784
How does the median household income for African American households compare to White Americans?
The median household income for African Americans is $48,297, which is approximately 40% less than the median income for White Americans ($77,999)
What is the median household income for Hispanic Americans in comparison to White Americans?
The median household income for Hispanic Americans is $57,981, reflecting a lower income compared to White Americans ($77,999)
What does the significant income disparity between racial groups, such as African Americans and White Americans, indicate?
Extreme economic inequality, with African Americans earning around 40% less than White Americans and more than 50% less than Asian Americans on average
How does the median household income for Asian Americans compare to other racial groups?
Asian Americans have a higher median household income at $101,418, making it the highest among all ethnic groups
What was the average income in the USA at the end of 2021?
$31,133
How does the average income for men compare to the average income for women in the USA?
The average income for men is $38,461, which is significantly higher than the average income for women, which is $25,307
By what percentage is the average income for women less than that for men?
34%
What was the national unemployment rate in the USA at the end of 2021?
5.3%
How does the unemployment rate for African Americans compare to that of White Americans?
The unemployment rate for African Americans is around 8.6%, which is almost twice as high as the rate for White Americans, which is approximately 4.7%
What is the unemployment rate for Hispanics in comparison to White Americans?
The unemployment rate for Hispanics is 6.8%, which is higher than the rate for White Americans (4.7%)
How has the African American unemployment rate changed from 2014 to the end of 2021
In 2014, the African American unemployment rate was as high as 10.5%, and by the end of 2021, it had decreased to around 8.6%
What are some features of middle-class edge-of-city suburbs in the United States?
A crime-free neighbourhood, parks, open spaces, and good quality schools
How does life in run-down inner-city areas or ghettos differ from that in middle-class suburbs?
People living in ghetto housing experience a stark contrast, with issues such as crime, gangs, poor schools, and a lack of facilities
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) in the USA?
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is a national program in the USA that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income individuals and families
How do US citizens receive and utilise SNAP benefits?
They are provided with a debit card that they can use in pre-approved stores to purchase food
What was the average SNAP benefit for a single person in 2023, and what is the maximum amount?
The average SNAP benefit for a single person is $195 per month, with a maximum of $281
What was the historical method of distributing SNAP benefits, and how has it changed?
Historically, SNAP benefits were distributed using coupons, but they were phased out in favour of a specialised debit card system
In 2022, how many Americans were served by SNAP benefits, and what percentage of the US population does this represent?
41.2 million, approximately 12% of the US population
What is the purpose of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programme in the USA?
The programme provides states and territories with flexibility to operate programmes aimed at helping low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency
How do states typically utilise TANF funds?
To provide monthly cash assistance payments to low-income families, along with childcare assistance, job preparation, and work assistance
How many adults and children received TANF cash assistance in 2019?
About 437,000 adults and 1.6 million children
What percentage of the TANF caseload is accounted for by child-only families?
Child-only families, where no adult receives TANF cash assistance, accounted for approximately 55.8% of the total TANF caseload in an average month
What was the average monthly cash assistance received by TANF recipient families?
$447
What educational background was common among adult TANF recipients?
Over one-third of adult TANF recipients (36.6%) had less than a high school education, 54.4% had completed high school (or its equivalent) but had no further education, and 9.0% had education beyond high school
How does the healthcare system in the USA differ from that in the UK?
There is no National Health Service (NHS) that provides free care for all
Instead, individuals often need to have Private Health Insurance, such as from companies like Blue Shield of California, to cover medical expenses
What is the average cost of private health insurance in the USA in 2018?
$3,500
How do insurance policies in the USA work in terms of coverage?
Similar to car and house insurance, health insurance policies in the USA provide different levels of cover
Cheaper plans may cost less per month but cover fewer medical procedures
How does the lack of comprehensive health insurance impact the health of poorer Americans?
Poorer Americans are more likely to have poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy
What percentage of Americans had health insurance through their job in 2018?
58%
How many Americans were uninsured in 2018, and how does this number compare to 2012?
28 million Americans were uninsured, a decrease from the 46 million in 2012
What financial challenges do uninsured individuals face when they fall sick?
Medical costs
What is the primary reason cited by most uninsured individuals for not having health insurance?
Cost
What demographic group is more likely to be without health insurance, and why?
Ethnic minorities
How has the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) affected the number of uninsured Americans?
It has led to a decrease
Which group of individuals in the United States receives free state-provided medical care?
Individuals over 65 (and some younger disabled individuals) r
How many people were covered by Medicare in 2018?
Approximately 60 million
How many people received support through Medicaid in 2018?
Approximately 76 million
What are the limitations of the Medicare and Medicaid programmes?
Coverage gaps and restrictions on the types of services covered
Which ethnic group in the USA has the highest life expectancy, and what might be a contributing factor?
Hispanics have the highest life expectancy in the USA, and studies suggest that a lower tradition of smoking among Hispanic people, especially older individuals, may contribute to this difference
What are some of the factors contributing to lower life expectancy and poorer health among Black individuals in the USA?
Poverty, segregation in communities with higher unemployment, lower income, education, and homeownership levels
How do socioeconomic factors such as education and income influence the development of heart disease risk factors?
People with fewer socioeconomic resources, including less education and lower income, tend to have less healthy diets, may be less physically active, and experience poorer quality sleep
Why do Asians in the USA tend to have the longest life expectancy?
Primarily due to factors related to their socio-economic status, many Asians have higher-paying jobs in industries or academia, leading to better healthcare and nutrition
Their ability to afford healthy food and quality healthcare contributes to their longer life expectancy
What is the Affordable Care Act commonly referred to as?
Obamacare
What were the primary goals of the Affordable Care Act?
To expand coverage, hold insurance companies accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more choice, and enhance the quality of care for all Americans
When was the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, signed into law?
2010
hat were the key promises of the Affordable Care Act?
Comprehensive reforms to improve access to affordable health coverage for everyone and protect consumers from abusive insurance company practices
What legal requirement did the Affordable Care Act introduce for all Americans?
To have health insurance
How did Republicans generally feel about the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act was highly unpopular with the Republicans, with President Trump attempting to repeal it in 2017
What impact did the Affordable Care Act have on the number of uninsured Americans?
The Affordable Care Act led to record low numbers of uninsured Americans, reducing the figure to 28 million non-elderly Americans compared to 46.5 million in 2010
Who made up half of all Medicaid recipients in 2018, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation?
Blacks and Hispanics
What is the main funding source for schools in the USA, and how does it contribute to educational inequalities?
State and local governments - in wealthier areas, more money is collected through local taxes, leading to higher school funding, creating a “Funding Gap” that contributes to educational inequalities
What challenges do schools in poorer areas face due to funding disparities?
Attracting qualified teachers, lack of resources for equipment, and dealing with more disruptive students
What bribery and corruption scandal involving college admissions occurred in 2019?
“Operation Varsity Blues” - a bribery and corruption scandal where wealthy parents paid large sums to ensure their children’s admission to colleges in the USA
What was the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)?
A post pandemic response of the US government to helping rebuild the US economy and create new greener jobs for US citizens.
What did the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) do?
It made many changes to the US on rules around tackling climate change, energy and medicine.
How many jobs have been created in the first 12 months of the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)?
170,000
How many Americans are saving an average $800 a year on health insurance as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)?
15 million
How does the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) help poorer Americans?
It helps them find work and save money on healthcare, which tackles both unemployment and poverty.
