US 1: Weaknesses of Federal Government

Question 1

(Background)

What was the American political system like?

Answer 1

• The USA was the first nation with a constitution establishing how the country was to be governed.
• It had a federal system of government (central govt. in Washington D.C, and series of state govt.s).
• By 1820s, it was much more democratic than Britain (almost all white males with the right to vote, electing the President and Congress).
• Three branches -> executive, legislative, judiciary (each with ‘checks and balances’ on each other in order to avoid political power being concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.
• By end of Civil War, 2 main political parties -> Republicans (favoured wealth, business and a reduced govt role), Democrats (favoured more govt involvement especially in social issues, wider base of support).

Question 2

(Background - Not Examined)

What were the strengths of the federal government?

Answer 2

• A lot of interest in politics

- Political campaigns with high voter turnout

Question 3

(Background - Not Examined)

What were the weaknesses of the federal government?

Answer 3

-Government had limited impact on most Americans due to the Constitution’s system of ‘checks and balances’, causing