Clear, concise, comprehensive, organised flashcard-like, easy-to-read summary notes on AQA A Level Paper 2 of Government and Politics of the USA.
Covers up-to-date government and politics information and events as recent as 2024.
Everything that is to know in preparation for Paper 2 of AQA Gove...
Government & Politics Paper 2
1. US Constitution 2. Comparing 3. Congress 4. US Executive 5. Comparing E
Constitutions
6. US Judiciary 7. Comparing Judiciaries 8. US Elections and 9. US Political parties 10.Comparing E
Democracy and Party sys
11.US Pressure groups 12.Comparing Pressure 13.Civil rights 14.Comparing Civil rights
groups
1
,1. US Constitution
2
,Key features of the US Constitution
1. ‘Representative 2. Fear of mass democracy 3. Blend of specificity and 4. Articles ordered
government, not vagueness deliberately
democracy’ • Founding Fathers
recognised tyranny of • implied powers: powers of a. Congress 1st: princ
• no mention of ‘one man, one majority. fed. govt. only vaguely player.
vote’. • Hamilton: ‘Nothing but a outlined. b. president 2nd: trou
• aligned with JS Mill’s fear for permanent body can check - i.e. defence. shooter – focus on
direct democracy. the imprudence of • enumerated powers are than powerful figur
• indirect election of president democracy.’ explicitly spelt out. ‘tyrannical’ monarc
via Electoral College. - this permanent body is the - i.e. president is commander- c. Supreme Court 3rd
• Senate initially chosen Constitution. in-chief of armed forces. specific role or req
indirectly by state • this fear also caused - designed to be long-lasting
legislatures – changed in amendments to be and enduring – not easily
1913 17th Amendment. deliberately difficult to be changed.
made formally.
3
, Significance of constitutional principles
1. Vagueness and silence 2. Need for a referee 3. Game of gridlock 4. Elections
• offers both strengths and • precedent set by Marbury v • designed to promote • conduct of election
weaknesses. Madison (1803). cooperation and determined by indi
• adaptable without formal compromise between states ⟶ different
changes to clauses, but lack • interprets the Constitution branches – but reality methods of voting
of certainty has been proven • ⟶ very powerful proves otherwise. states.
unhelpful. • ∵ constitutional sovereignty. • competition and deadlock, • state-based focus
• where there is no clarity, the - Charles Evans Hughes: ‘We i.e. 35-day long govt. elections ⟶ contro
SC steps in. are under a Constitution, but shutdown 2018-19 Trump over stricter voter
the Constitution is what the wall.
judges say it is.’
- i.e. Kansas and
• division and inefficiency. Mississippi voter
• led to inevitable
politicisation.
4
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller hazelmak. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £10.66. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
