Edexcel
A Level
Politics
Summary
Component 3
1
,Context –
US Politics –
1. US Constitution and Federalism
1.1 – Nature of US Constitution
1.2 – Key features of US Constitution
1.3 – Main characteristics of US Federalism
1.4 – Interpretations and debates around US Constitution and Federalism
2. US Congress
2.1 – Structure of Congress
2.2 – Functions of Congress
2.3 – Interpretations and debates around Congress
3. US Presidency
3.1 – Formal Sources of Presidential Power
3.2 – Informal Sources of Presidential Power
3.3 – The Presidency
3.4 – Interpretations and debates of US Presidency
4. US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
4.1 – Nature and Role of Supreme Court
4.2 – Appointment Process for Supreme Court
4.3 – Supreme Court and Public Policy
4.4 – Protection of civil liberties and rights in US today
4.5 – Race and Rights in contemporary US Politics
4.6 – Interpretations and debates of US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
5. US Democracy and Participation
5.1 – Electoral Systems in US
5.2 – Key ideas and principles of Democratic and Republican Parties
5.3 – Interest groups in USA
5.4 – Interpretations and debates of US democracy and participation
6. Comparative Approaches
6.1 – Theoretical Approaches
6.2 – Similarities and differences in UK and USA
6.3 – Compare and debate following aspects of UK and US legislative branches
6.5 – Compare and debate following aspects of UK and US executive branches
6.7 – Compare and debate following aspects of UK and US Supreme Courts
6.9 – Compare and debate following aspects of UK and US democracy and participation
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, 1 – US Constitution and Federalism
1.1 – Nature of US Constitution
Geographical Background – Sectional Differences – North East – liberal left, financial Background US Constitution – 13 colonies won freedom, which led to
institutions, more progressive and where 13 original colonies located. Articles of Confederation – each state remained independent with single
South – Slavery led to split, federalism, formerly was a democratic stronghold, but vote.
now has become republican stronghold. Influence of religion on moral and social
Philadelphia Convention – delegates began arriving. Set up two plans –
issues is strong, have many military installations.
West – Hollywood located their so can use this for propaganda now via social media, Virginia and New Jersey Plan. Virginia Plan – favoured larger states –
endorsement campaigns. Strong preference for self-sufficiency, much admired values executive (leadership), legislative (make laws for nation), judicial (explain
and qualities of Reagan, Bastion of individualism. and interpret laws. New Jersey Plan – favoured smaller states – led to
Rust Belt – car factories, traditional democratic but voted Trump in 2016 then go Great Compromise – bicameral legislature made up of Senate (100 senators
back to Biden (D) in 2020. – every state has 2 senators), and H of Reps (bigger states have more).
Social Basis of US Politics – Ageing population, swing outcome of elections, Commerce and slavery were two issues. Southern states exported goods and
population grows rapidly in West than South. 14 cities now have black majorities, raw materials. North agreed slave trade continue till 1808.
significant ethnic minorities due to migration. Native language of Florida in parts
Beginnings of US Constitution – Finally finished 1787. People in favour of
become Spanish. More diverse, the more division created. Singh – ‘kaleidoscopic
mosaic of racial, ethnic, religious, regional differences constitution called Federalists (Madison, Hamilton, Jay).
Ethnic Mix – Black Americans – decades were denied rights of citizenship and prey to Articles of US Constitution - A1 – Legislative – US Congress makes laws –
discrimination, and segregation. Made some progress in securing rights and attaining Houses and Senate. A2 – Executive – President, Vice-President, Cabinet and
a degree of political power and influence. Clinton (D) – definite gains in areas like Departments under. A3 – Judicial – Supreme Court decides court cases.
education, employment, politics, and economic growth. A4 – States’ powers – states have power to make and carry out own laws.
Hispanics – younger population, generally better off. Mexican origin – well A5 – Amendments – Constitution can be changed. 2/3 in Congress, ¾ by
represented in California and Texas. Majority of Mimi residents are Hispanics of states.
Cuban – middle class and professional. ‘Sleeping dragon’.
Nature of US Constitution –
Asian Population – diverse, 4% of population, membership includes China, Japan,
and other Asian Countries. Represent fast growing, young and dynamic section of Codification – single written document containing all of constitutional rules.
population. Constitutional Framework – Separation of Powers – 3 branches (legislature,
Native Americans – 1.5m, descendants from various tribes, experience social executive, judiciary). Article 3 – court was to be umpire of constitution –
disadvantages, many live in poverty, earn low wages, alcoholism. Suicide rates are implied in supremacy clause (constitution and federal laws shall be the
high. supreme law of the land).
Historical Background of US Politics – Top 3 Articles contain enumerated powers (powers delegated to federal
British Settlement to Revolution – 1607 – Jamestown settlement. Over next 100
govt under constitution).
years, many colonies founded – 13th being Georgia. 1776, 13 colonies declared
independence, and created Articles of Confederation. 1787, constitution was created,
Vagueness – allowed delegates to compromise at Philadelphia Convention.
and George Washington became first President. Movement westwards began Advantage as allowed Constitution to evolve. Implied Powers – powers of
(Manifest Destiny). As occurred, native Indians were evicted from homelands and federal government by inference from those powers delegated to it. Many
pushed to reservations. South committed to strong states’ rights against federal govt are deduced from ‘necessary and proper clause’ (empowers congress to
in Washington. make all laws necessary and proper’.
Civil War and After – Abraham Lincoln (R), secession of S Carolina, advocated Reserved Powers – powers not delegated to federal government – for states
prohibition of slavery which led to civil war. Slavery ended, former slaves became and people. Concurrent powers – powers possessed by federal and state.
citizens of Union, universal male suffrage introduced. 1877, federal forces withdrawn
Entrenchment – application of extra, legal, safeguards to a constitutional
from south, and went own way.
Turn of 20th Century – US began to industrialise rapidly, business interests
provision to make it more difficult to amend or abolish it – Article V.
encouraged involvement abroad. Increasing involvement in Cuba. American success Enumerated powers Implied Powers
resulted in acquisition of widespread territories and increased world significance. Congress Tax and duty collection, borrow Draft citizens into
WW1 and Beyond – US on allied side and defeated axis powers. Many ideas money on behalf US govt, establish armed forces, provide
incorporated into peace treaties. Decade after – roaring twenties (development of
post offices, declaration of war, for common defence
Hollywood, motoring, many other manifestations of affluent country. Preference for
conservative (R) politics as unenthusiastic about voting for change. Reaction against
maintenance of army and navy. and general welfare
immigration. President Proposes measures to Congress, Commander in Chief
Depression, Recovery, War – Golden Decade brought abruptly to a halt by Wall Vetoes legislation, grants pardons of US Air Force
Street Cash. Roosevelt (R) New Deal Legislation (far-reaching economic and social Judiciary Rule on cases under constitution Declare Acts of
measures) which revolutionised country. Industrial recovery via loans and restructure Congress.
banking system. Farmers were provided with large scale financial assistance. Public Advantages of UK Constitution – flexible, easily changed, modern,
work schemes help create employment. Dismay from wealthy but Roosevelt actions
democrats can function without codified constitution.
attracted popular support. Democrats associated with internationalism.
Post War Era – position of global leadership. Involved in reconstruction of Europe. Disadvantages of UK Constitution – dangerous govt can exploit, hard for
Truman (D) Doctrine – defence of South Korea. Vietnam war seen as costly in human public to understand, allows civil liberties to be overridden.
and economic terms. Withdrawal seen as humiliating. Advantages of US Constitution – defines peoples liberties, safeguard against
Strains at Home in 60s and 70s – demonstrations in support of civil rights, Luther tyrannical government, public can access and understand easier.
King emerged as voice. Level of violence had increased due to race. JFK (D) (moon Disadvantages of US Constitution – hard to agree on, inflexible, too much
landing and was shot). MLK (shot). 1970s, troubled times for economic problems of power to judges.
inflation and unemployment. Nixon (R) involved in Watergate Scandal – 1st president Principles of US Constitution – President is elected by electoral college.
to resign.
People elect delegates to college then they elect the President. President
End of 20th Century – Reagan (R) importance of US military strength, was helped by
economic boom. Bush (R) – soviet power collapsed. Clinton (R) – domestic progress, cannot claim to be elected directly by the people, only Congress can.
great economic success, yet overshadowed by scandals. Federal govt – US govt is federal – Article 4. Strong central govt,
Dawn of New Century – Bush JR (R) – attack on 9/11, tarnished due to global
economic recession. Obama (D) killed Osama Bin Laden, social and healthcare reform
with Obama Care, and Support for gay rights. Failed to pass gun laws yet Sandy Hook.
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