Unit 3- The USA As A World Power Flashcards
What makes the USA a superpower?
The US is the worlds leading economic power. It’s GDP constitutes 22% of world GDP.
It is also the worlds leading military power. It is the leading power in the G20/G8 group of nations. It is also the leading power in NATO. It has more than 1,000 military bases around the world.
Technologies- The US has the most experienced, skilled and best armed military. Has sophisticated nuclear missiles and the potential for defence in space
Why is the US important to us here in the UK?
We have a special relationship with the US. We have close political, cultural and historical relations.
Many Americans claim Scottish heritage
What relationships does the US have with other counties?
It has strong ties with Israel, which is its traditional ally in the Middle East
What is the US constitution?
The oldest written constitution in the world
The rights of American citizens are written here, and it is the supreme law of the land
It establishes the authority of the national government, provides guarantees for fundamental human rights and sets out the governments operating procedures
What rights do American citizens have?
1st amendment: the right to freedom of speech and expression. To debate and vote, to assemble and protest, and to worship.
2nd amendment: the right to bear arms. This allows Americans to own a gun, it is possible they can purchase very sophisticated military equipment
5th amendment: the right to remain silent. American citizens do not have to give evidence that may incriminate themselves.
What responsibilities do American citizens have?
To make sure that they are not offending anyone with what they say. To make sure that what they are saying is within the law.
To make sure that they only use guns as a protection measure and to use them responsibly
How can American citizens participate in the political process?
They can join pressure groups Eg/ National Riffle Association They can donate money to political parties to support their campaigns They can participate in marches Eg/ anti- trump demonstrations They can vote Eg/ presidential elections They can stand as a candidate for a political party
What does ‘checks and balances’ mean?
The devolution of power to other people, and the checking of power by addition elected bodies
What is the purpose of the American separation of powers?
To ensure that none of the branches of government can make decisions by themselves. All three branches must agree on an issue before a decision can be approved
What is federalism?
The division of government between the national, state and local levels
What is the executive branch of the government?
The president, and then Vice President.
Their role is to enforce and carry out the laws
What is the legislative branch of the government?
The congress (house of representatives and the Senate) They make the laws
What is the judicial part of the government?
The Supreme Court, they interpret the laws
What are the strengths of the American President?
Executive order (however this can be overruled) eg/ Obamas Gun Control In charge of the worlds greatest armed forces (massive military power) The power of VETO, can choose not to pass a bill into legislation, this is often used to bargain He can appoint judges to the Supreme Court
What are the weaknesses of the American President?
Cannot declare war without the support of congress
If the presidents party aren’t the majority in congress than it can be difficult to get things done. Eg/ Obama is known as a Lame Duck president
Why are ethnic minorities more unlikely to participate in politics?
Many ethnic minorities experience poverty and feel like voting will not change their plight
Many Hispanics are not US citizens
What are some social and economic factors that affect participation?
Economic- wealth inequalities Unemployment/ employment Social- education Health Crime and law Housing
What are the main reasons for educational inequality in the US?
Language barriers
Poverty
Dropout rates
Location
Why are there inequalities in education?
The state provides 50% of the money to operate schools, the rest comes from taxes on local properties and sales. So this means that prosperous areas can afford the best facilities, teachers and technology. Poorer areas often struggle to achieve the basic resources.
What is the government trying to do to combat educational inequalities?
The American recovery and reinvestment act 2009
Providing $77 billion for reforms to strengthen elementary and secondary education
Improving achievement in low- performing schools through support and interventions
Why does America not have a UK style NHS healthcare?
American citizens pay for their medical bills through private medical insurance.
Americans are not equal when it comes to health.
Private health care ensures that those with money have the opportunity to be healthier than poor Americans.
Why do some people not have healthcare in America?
They may be unemployed
Their employer may not provide private health cover
They do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid
What is the government doing to try and reduce health inequalities?
The affordable act ‘Obama Care’ is designed to give people more health security by reducing the cost of medical insurance and increasing the quality of healthcare. It was signed into law in March 2010
Why are there inequalities regarding unemployment?
Recession Discrimination Language barriers Illegal immigration Lack of skills and qualifications
Who experiences inequalities regarding unemployment?
Blacks (16% unemployment rate)
Hispanic (12.5% unemployment rate)
What is the government trying to do to reduce inequalities regarding unemployment?
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009- responsible for about 3 million American jobs
Small Business Jobs Act 2010- provides tax breaks and better access to credit for millions of small businesses
