The USA

Explain, in detail, the influence of a world power you have studied // 6

Economic Influence

One way the USA has economic influence is through tourism. The ISA has economic influence as the UK relies heavily on American tourists each year. The UK/Scotland markets itself very well to American citizens, they are fascinated with Scotland as a country and are keen to visit and spend money. Scotland rely on this as tourists are feeding money into the economy and keeping businesses afloat. For example, the US is the number 1 source of tourists to Scotland who £500 million a year.

One way the USA has economic influence is through supplying jobs. There are many American companies which have set up shops in Scotland. This provides many jobs for Scots which means that they would have money, this allows them to buy more products therefore increasing the economy. For example, 9,000 people in Scotland have jobs in American companies.

One way the USA has economic influence is through buying Scottish goods. This is when Scotland sells goods such as shortbread and whiskey to the USA. This brings money into the economy and businesses. For example, over £4.5 billion of goods and services are sold in the USA by Scotland.

Political Influence

One way the USA has political influence is by organising other countries to issue sanctions. Sanctions are punishments that countries give to each other when they are unhappy. This could include restricting money or people's ability to travel. For example, in recent years the US has encouraged countries like the UK, Germany, and France to put sanctions on North Korea, China and Russia for their human rights abuse. Therefore, the US is very influential in getting some countries to act against other powerful rival countries if they do not agree with their actions.

One way the USA has political influence is by making other countries consider the US veto. The USA, as a permanent member of the UN security council, has the power to reject decisions and actions that other countries of the world want so they will often work hard to please the US to make sure it doesn't use the veto (an action that stops any decisions being made). For example, the US has used its veto over 80 times often to protect allies such as Israel. Clearly countries must consider what the US wants in order to avoid the use of the veto which makes it very influential and powerful.

One way the US influences other countries politically is by making international agreements. As the USA is such a big country as well as such a powerful country, many look to it to lead on important issues. This often means that the US can lead the way on international agreements where countries wait to see if the US will support and issue before they sign up. In recent years success at making agreements to tackle nuclear weapons and climate change have happened only with US agreement. President Obama was key to getting world powers like China and India to sign up to the Paris Climate Agreement to help try and prevent climate change. Once elected, Donald Trump announced to the world in 2016 that is he going to pull the USA out of the deal. This was done because many of his supporters don't believe in climate change. Many experts now believe that the efforts to keep a few millions of his voters happy, will mean that global warming is now inevitable, and this will impact everyone.

Militaristic Influence

One way that the USA has a militaristic influence on other countries is by making them avoid conflict with the US. As the USA has the most powerful armed forces in the world, other countries will not want to declare war or get involved in a fight with the USA because it is likely that they will lose. For example, the US military is so powerful that no country, since Japan in WW2, has declared was on the US.

One way that the USA has a militaristic influence on other countries is by forcing them to accept American power even if they don't like or agree with it. Due to the size and strength of the US military, the USA is confident it can co-operate in many countries around the world regardless of what leaders of that country want. This means often it will act without the permission of those governments if it wants to. For example, in 2019 the USA killed the leader of daesh (ISIS) in Syria without the permission of the Syrian government.

Describe, in detail, rights of US citizens // 6

One political right which the citizens of America have is the right to vote. Within the US constitution the right of citizens to vote and decide who represents them at a federal and state level. For example, during the Federal elections of 2020, Joe Biden was elected president of the United States.

One political right which the citizens of America have is the right to join a political party. US citizens can join a political party that reflect their political beliefs. For example, within the USA people tend to join the Republicans or the Democrats but can also join movements such as the TEA party.

One political right which the citizens of America have is the right to join an interest group. People in the US can join an interest group which campaign on particular issues and put pressure on the government or businesses. For example, one the largest interest groups in the USA are the NRA - National Rifle Association with over 5 million members, campaigns for the right of US citizens to keep their right to bear arms.

One political right which the citizens of America have is the right to stand as a candidate. US citizens can stand for election for federal and state positions.
Many of these candidates are members of political parties however some stand as independents. For example, US citizens can stand for governship at state level or as a senator or representative at Federal level.

One political right which the citizens of America have is the right to join a protest/demonstration. As the USA is a democratic country, they have the right to speak out against the government or major corporations. For example, in 2017 the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, there were women's march protests against him which was the largest single day protest in American history with roughly 4 million protestors.

Explain, in detail, why some groups participate more in a world power you have studied // 8

One group which is more likely to participate is women. This means that females are more likely to vote in elections. This is because women had to fight for the right to vote and have a voice in politics therefore, they won't take it for granted.
For example, in 2020, 68% of women who were eligible to vote had voted.

One group which is more likely to participate is white Americans. This means that white Americans are more likely to vote than those who are from an ethnic background. The only instance in which this was different was when Barack Obama was elected and that's when the turnout for people from an ethnic background increased. For example, in 2020 71% of white Americans voted compared to 63% of African Americans and 54% of Hispanic Americans.

One group which is more likely to participate is more educated people. More educated people are more likely to vote because they're stereotypically more engaged. People who have higher levels of education may have a better understanding of what's happening in the complex US political system. For example, 21.6% of adults who left school before the 9th grade voted and 74.7% of adults who had an advanced degree voted.

One group which is more likely to participate is older people. Voters who are older are consistently more likely to turnout to vote. Although the turnout of all voters has increased since 1986, about 30% less of young voters turnout then older people. One reason that the turnout of younger voters has increased is because of the growing anger about school shootings and lack of action. For example, 20% of young people said they don't think they know enough to vote.

Explain, in detail, 2 political institutions of the government in a world power you have studied // 8

One branch of the USA government is the executive branch. This branch is made from the president, vice-president, and cabinet. They are empowered to carry out the laws which are made by congress. The president not only runs the country, but he represents the USA internationally and makes the majority of decisions. For example, Donald Trump was in charge of the federal governmentand order for a wall to built between USA and Mexico which is being built on Native American burial sites.

One branch of the USA government is the judiciary branch. This branch is made up of 9 judges who are appointed by a president when previous judge dies or retires. This is in the supreme court. These judges determine whether or not a law is passed or is allowed by the constitution which means they decide if a law or government action violates the constitution. For example, Joe Biden has nominated 73 federal district or circuit court judges, the majority being women and people of colour.

One branch of the USE government is the legislative branch. This branch is mad from 100 senators and 435 representatives. The branch has people who make most of the federal laws in the USA. These people are called the sente, house of representatives who are known as congress. They write, debate and pass bills, investigate national issues and determine tax. For example, in 2019 some in the congress weren't happy with how Donald Trump had been acting with Ukraine and so they put him on trial.

Explain, in detail, the limitation of the power in political institution of group in a world power you have studied // 8

One limitation of the US Presidential power is the power of veto. The veto is something used by the president when he doesn't agree with a law being made by congress. This means that he can stop law from happening. However, if 2/3 of congress agree with the law then the president's veto is scrapped, and the law goes ahead without the president's approval. The supreme court can also deem the use of a veto as unconstitutional and scrap the veto and go ahead with the law. For example, congress have overridden a veto 107 times.

One limitation of the US presidential power is executive orders. This is when the president is allowed to pass laws quickly and easily because he is chief legislator in America. However, the supreme court has the authority to override the law that the president makes it it's deemed as unconstitutional. Due to their skills the supreme court can interpret the constitution. For example, in August 2018, a federal judge rules president Trumps anti-worker orders as unconstitutional.

One limitation of the US presidential power is the power to appointment. This allows them to appoint various positions within the government. This helps shape who runs the USA and potentially what America is like in the future.
Congress must approve all appointments made by the president. The president can remove a supreme court judge as they are appointed to life terms. For example, in 2005, George Bush was stopped by congress from appointing John Bolton as a UN advisor.

and order for a wall to built between USA and Mexico which is being built on Native American burial sites.

Explain, in detail, the limitation of the power in political institution of group in a world power you have studied // 8

One limitation of the US presidential power is the power to appointment. This allows them to appoint various positions within the government. This helps shape who runs the USA and potentially what America is like in the future. Congress must approve all appointments made by the president. The president can remove a supreme court judge as they are appointed to life terms. For example, in 2005, George Bush was stopped by congress from appointing John Bolton as a UN advisor.

Describe, in detail, why inequality exists in a world power you have studied // 8

One reason inequality exists in the USA is healthcare. In America you're required to pay for your healthcare. If you're rich, then you can pay for good healthcare meaning you're more likely to live longer this causes mass inequality as those who can't afford it suffer and are likely to have a shorter life span. For example, in the USA good healthcare roughly costs $11,000 per year.

One reason inequality exists in the USA is education. This means people who aren't going to a good school are more likely to suffer with other problems. They don't get a good education due to lack of funding - which means that they don't get good, quality resources. People who suffer from discrimination are more likely to receive a worse education because they're worrying about the abuse they'll experience. If you have low income family, then it's more likely that they'll drop out because they'll want to support their family financially. For example, in 2013, the dropout rate for the nation was 8% for African Americans and 4% for Asians.

One reason inequality exists in the USA is crime and justice. Black people are 11 times more likely to be convicted for the same crime that a white person committed. This is due to the court/criminal justice system being racist and not giving people of colour a fair trial or jury. Black and Hispanic people are more likely to be brought up by a single parent family and so many grow up without a role model. For example, 40% of prisoners are Black Americans.

One reason inequality exists in the USA is income and poverty. People who grow up without an adequate education are less likely to get a good job and have a good income. This gives them a disadvantage as they have less opportunities, worse healthcare, worse housing and are more likely to commit a crime. People who grow up in a single parent household won't get as much as an oncome as others would. For example, the poverty rate in the USA, in 2020, was 11.4%.

One reason inequality exists in the USA is housing. The most direct effect of housing inequality of neighbourhood amenities which include the condition of surrounding houses, the availability or social networks, the amount of air pollution, the crime rate and quality of local schools. Most communities with high amounts of ethnic minorities have an increased crime rate. There are a high percentage of Black/Hispanic Americans living in poverty meaning they are more likely to love in poorer areas. For example, 42.1% of Black Americans own a house compared to the 73.3% of white Americans.

Explain, in detail, ways citizens of a world power you have studied can participate in democracy // 8

One way citizens can participate in USA's politics is by protesting. This is when people join forces to persuade and inform people on issue that they care about. They do this to try and persuade the government to make a change. These can be of high success, but they can also be too small to make a serious difference. For example, thousands of people protested in 2020 in the BLM movement after the brutal murder of George Floyd.

One way citizens can participate in the USA's politics is by voting in an election. Públic can vote every 4 years for the president and every 2 years for congress. Voters have the right to vote in these elections for free however have a responsibility to turn up and vote. Women are more likely to vote as they had to fight for their vote. Voters can vote democrat or republicans. Rich people and people with a high education are more likely to vote for republicans and people who are of lower class are more likely to vote democrats. For example, in 2021, Joe Biden was voted as president - he is a democrat.

One way citizens can participate in the USA's politics is by standing as a candidate. Individuals stand as a candidate as they feel strongly about an issue within therefore local state. This often provides the motivation for US citizens to stand as a candidate. For example, they could stand for congress or president.

One way citizens can participate in the USA's politics is by joining a political party. Being a party member lets them take apart in the primary elections where you can choose your preferred candidate for president. For example, Democrats tend to be supported by poorer, unemployed, and ethnic minorities. Republicans are more closely linked to the rich, big businesses and the middle class.

One way citizens can participate in the USA's politics is by joining an interest group. These are groups who share similar views about something. For example, the National Rifle Association defends the right to American citizen to own and carry guns for self-defence and sporting purposed. They are a powerful group with many supporters within the government.