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3.2 Government and politics of the USA

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How can we compare the politics of the UK and the USA?

The comparative approaches of rational, cultural and structural theories, and how they explain the similarities and differences between the constitutions, legislatures, executives, judiciaries and democracies of the UK and the USA.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the comparative approaches of rational, cultural and structural theories, and how they explain the similarities and differences between the government and politics of the UK and the USA.
9 min answer →

What are the nature and principles of the US Constitution and how does federalism work?

The nature and principles of the US Constitution, the separation of powers and checks and balances, the amendment process, the nature and development of federalism, and the debates over the constitution today.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the nature and principles of the US Constitution, the separation of powers and checks and balances, the amendment process, the development of federalism, and the debate over its strengths and weaknesses.
10 min answer →

How is Congress structured and how effectively does it carry out its functions?

The structure, powers and functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the legislative process, the role of committees, and how effectively Congress represents, legislates and oversees the executive.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the structure, powers and functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the legislative process, the role of committees, and how effectively Congress represents, legislates and oversees the executive.
10 min answer →

How do elections, parties and pressure groups shape US democracy and participation?

The electoral process and the presidential election, the role and ideas of the Democratic and Republican parties, the influence of interest groups, the use of money and the impact of these on democracy and participation.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the US electoral process and presidential election, the role and ideas of the Democratic and Republican parties, the influence of interest groups and money, and the impact on democracy and participation.
10 min answer →

What are the powers of the US president and what determines presidential power?

The formal and informal powers of the president, the relationship with Congress, the role of the cabinet and the executive office, the limits on presidential power, and the factors affecting how powerful a president is.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the formal and informal powers of the US president, the relationship with Congress, the cabinet and executive office, the limits on presidential power, and the factors affecting how powerful a president is.
10 min answer →

How powerful is the US Supreme Court and how well are civil rights protected?

The role and powers of the Supreme Court, the nomination and confirmation process, judicial review, judicial activism and restraint, the political significance of the Court, and the protection of civil rights and liberties.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the role and powers of the US Supreme Court, the nomination and confirmation process, judicial review, judicial activism and restraint, the political significance of the Court, and the protection of civil rights.
10 min answer →

How is the USA governed and how does it compare with the UK?

An overview of US government and politics covering the constitution and federalism, Congress, the presidency, the Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, and the comparative theories used to compare the UK and USA.
An overview of the AQA A-Level Politics USA module, covering the constitution and federalism, Congress, the presidency, the Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, and the comparative theories used to compare the UK and USA.
8 min answer →