Political System and Process

• This section will cover all potential essay questions related to politics in the USA

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

VotersElect Elect

The President and The Vice-President

The Supreme CourtAppointed by the Presidentwith the advice and consent of the Senate

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

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

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

Federal

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.

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.

Video Clips

• http://video.about.com/usgovinfo/Branches-of-the-Government.htm - the branches of government in the USA

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuFR5XBYLfU – 3 branches

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.

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.

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.

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

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 – Although Obama won in 2008, most Whites (55%) voted for Republican McCain.

• ‘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.

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.

US Political parties and their support – The 2012 Presidential

ElectionIn 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

Video Clips…

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pyOq5bimM4 – Republican and Democrat Parties explained in basic terms

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eInuuLp1Dw – Critique of the Two Party System…”Divide and Conquer”

Rights and Responsibilities in the

USA

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.

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

The US Constitution and the Bill of Rights

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=yYEfLm5dLMQ – second clip on bill or rights

The Bill of Rights: The Constitution's First 10 Amendments

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

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.

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

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

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.

Participation

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Political Participation in the USA – Background

Knowledge• Before you can vote in the USA

you must be registered to vote.

• In the 2012 Presidential election 65% of the total population was registered to vote (less than that actually 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interest groups in the USA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Works to promote individual rights for freedom in the USA.

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA

• National Council of la Raza – Aims to reduce discrimination against Hispanics.

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?

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA

• Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) – Aims to reduce death and injury caused by gun availability.

The Powers of the President and Checks and Balances

The Powers of the President and Checks and Balances

• This was a common topic in the old higher and could reappear in the New Higher.

• 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.

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

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

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 John Kerry, 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

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)

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.

The Powers of the President

The Powers of the PresidentPowers 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.

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.

President Obama has already issued a number of EOs including a review of the Guantanamo detainees and the ending of unlawful interrogation techniques.

Check: Congress can impeach or remove a President if they suspect any wrongdoing although use of this power this is very rare.

The Powers of the PresidentExecutive Orders (EOs) continued

President Obama has 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

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

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: Affordable Care 2012In 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

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

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

Example – making a new lawThe 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.

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 (after 2014 mid-term elections)

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, Obama would struggle to get a pro-Democrat judge confirmed by the Senate because it is controlled by the Republicans as of January 2015.

Video Clips…

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqAMkDstPiU - Obama’s speech after death of Osama Bin Laden

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhmdEq3JhoY, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be6tunbRcs8 – “Bushisms” – errors made by President George Bush President

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.

Possible Plan for Essay1. 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 SenateOverall – power to an extent…but…

3. Legislative Power.Power – State of the Union, spending plansCheck – Congress controls budget, introduces billsOverall – power to an extent…but…

4. Power of Veto.Power – Veto bills from legislative branchCheck – Congress can over-ride with 2/3 majorityOverall – power to an extent…but…

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

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

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.

Minorities and the Political Process

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.

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?

• 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

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

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

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.

Video Clips…

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEelLKhMteY – 2012 presidential election – end of the “White Establishment”?

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx2WPe4Fjug – analysis of 2012 election by ethnicity

Possible Exam Question

1. To what extent are some citizens in a world power you have studied disadvantaged politically?

20 marks

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.

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.

Marking InstructionsOther 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.

How Democratic is the USA?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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