Modern Studies - USA

What are the three branches of government in the USA

• Legislature – elected representatives who represent the people, scrutinise the work of the Government and pass/change laws -

• Executive – also known as the Government, this institution provides political leadership by suggesting new laws and running specialised departments that oversee the introduction and implementation of laws and policy. -

• Judiciary – the collective term for "the court system" which judges whether Government and Legislative actions – such as new laws – are in fact legal. -

What are some examples of the checks and balances

Foreign policy - President Biden launched military action against Houthi Rebels in Yemen, including drone strikes. This was done with Congressional approval.

Making appointments - POTUS is very powerful at making appointments when they control the Senate, for example in June 2022 Joe Biden's Democrats had a majority in the Senate meaning he was able to appoint people politically close to him.

Passing laws - In January 2022, the Supreme Court blocked the Biden government from passing a law making it mandatory for workers at large companies to be vaccinated against Covid-19 

What are 3 ways that people can participate in a democracy in the USA?

Voting - Voting is the most direct way to participate in politics in the US. Citizens over the age of 17 or 18, depending on state, are able to vote in the USA in a variety of democratic exercises. For example, over 152 million US citizens voted in the 2024 Presidential Election – 64% of those eligible.

Joining a political party - Joining a party is an important way of participating in a democracy as you can be involved in the running of the parties who make key decisions. This allows you to be involved in the selection of candidates for elections, such as the Presidency, Congress and State Governors. For example, the democrats currently have 46,000,000 members.

Standing for office - America believes in the idea that anyone can achieve greatness and success as long as they work hard and do their best. Because of this, anyone who meets the age requirements can stand for office. For example, the current US Congress has Representative Maxwell Frost who is 27, and Harold Rogers who is 88.

Give three causes of underepresentation in the USA

Lack of education - The US political system is very complicated and often seems very dysfunctional. With so many people and roles to vote for it might be too much for less educated people to understand what they are voting for. For example, in the 2024 Presidential Election, almost half (48%) of those who didn't vote only had a high school education or less.
They are restricted by the system - Ethnic minorities, particularly Black Americans, have historically been mistreated, abused and denied the right to vote. There are many rules put in to restrict this group from voting such as bans on ex-prisoners voting. For example, 63% of Black Americans voted in 2024 compared to 71% of White Americans.
They don’t feel like their participation matters - Many voters, especially ethnic minorities do not feel that their participation matters and feel it makes no difference to their own lives and many feel that there are not enough politicians who understand their problems/issues. As people are more likely to vote for people that they can relate to or feel they understand their needs and problems. For example, about 20% of the US population is Hispanic but only about 10% of Congress.

3 Reasons the USA has political influence

International Organisations - For example, the US along with France, The UK, China & Russia who are the three leaders of UN Security Council. Allowing them to veto any decisions that are made. 

Alliances and Diplomacy - For example, for a long time the UK & America has had a special relationship, working together for a mutual benefit. Meaning that even when the USA carries out actions the UK considers dubious, the UK is forced to go along with America. 

Sanctions and Tariffs - For example, in January 2026 the USA sanctioned 5 Iranian officials due to their attempts to crack down on the role on cracking down on protests.

3 Reasons the USA is military influence

One reason that the USA has a military influence on other countries is they have an extremely strong military 

For example, the USA as of 2025 has 11 naval bases, over 3 times the next closes country showing their power in conflicts.  

 

Another reason that the USA has a military influence on other countries is they are a leading member of NATO 

For example, immediately after the 9/11 attack in 2001, NATO members joined the USA in their campaign in Afghanistan.  

Another reason that the USA has military influence on other countries is they have a large number of military bases.
For example, the USA has 1,000 international military bases in places such as the UK, Germany, France and South Korea.

3 Reasons the USA the has economic influence

One way that America can have an economic influence on other countries is their Multinational Companies - For example, Amazon as of 2026 has employed over 7,500 employees in the UK, Not only giving all these citizens jobs giving the government tax, but also giving the local news agency’s, home builders & lorry drivers a boost in revenue therefore taxes, 

 

Another way that America can have an economic influence on other countries is their Trade agreements - For example, in February 2026 coming off turbulent political times, Argentina agreed to trade agreements and lowered tariff with America that would help it’s economy. As a result Argentina was forced to reshape it’s standards of produce and policies to align with America. 

Another way that America can have an Economic influence on other countries is their status in the International Financial Organisations. - For example, due to turbulent political times, Argentina attempted to take out a loan of $20 billion from the world bank in 2026, this meant that they were forced to sign multiple agreements with the USA because of their influence to try and attain this money. 

What are two social causes of crime?

One cause of social inequality is poor healthcare. - For example in 2024, 8.2% of Americans had no insurance.
One cause of social inequality is racism in the criminal justice system. - For example, in 2022 it was found that innocent black people were 7 times more likely to be found guilty of murder than white people.

What are two economic causes of crime?

One cause of economic issues is gender pay gaps. - For example, women earn 84 cents for every $1 dollar a man makes.

One cause of economic inequality is poverty - For example, A family of four needs more than $30,000 a year to afford basic necessities. This high cost means that many people, especially those with families may struggle to afford healthcare for their family. 

What are 3 reasons people face social/economic sources of crime

One reason why some people face socio-economic inequality is discrimination. - Black drivers in Cleveland, Ohio were 3.7 times more likely to be stopped by police than white drivers. 

One reason why some people face socio-economic inequality is a lack of access to quality healthcare. - For example in 2024, 8.2% of Americans had no insurance 

One reason why some people face socio-economic inequality is some people face racism within the criminal justice system. - For example, in 2022 it was found that innocent black people were 7 times more likely to be found guilty of murder than white people.  

Describe two ways the USA has tried to deal with socio-economic inequality

One way the government have responded to socio-economic inequality is the American Rescue Plan. - For example, households were given payments of $1,400 per person.

One way the government have responded to socio-economic inequality is the Affordable Care Act. 

Explain 3 reasons why the government’s responses to socio-economic have been effective

One reason why the government have been successful is by widening access to health insurance.  - For example, the uninsured rate fell from 14.5% in 2014 to 8% in 2022.

One reason why the government have been successful is giving money to low income families. -  Government support helped the US labour market recover after the pandemic, with unemployment falling from around 14.7% in April 2020 to around 3.7% in 2023. 

One reason why the government have been successful is by reducing violent crime. - Research on the Cure Violence Model (community intervention programme in several US cities) found that shootings reduced by around 14% in areas where the programme was introduced. 

Explain 3 reasons why the government’s responses to socio-economic haven’t been effective

One reason why the government have not been successful is the failure to tackle employment inequality - For example, by 2023, 43.3 million Americans still lived in poverty. 

One reason why the government have not been successful is rising inflation. - For example, it was estimated that the APR caused an economic inflation from a range of 3% increased inflation to 5% inflation.  

One reason why the government have not been successful is that millions of Americans still lack health insurance. - For example, Around 26 million Americans (8%) of the population) were still uninsured in 2023.