World Powers: The USA

Political institutions and their ability to dominate government decision-making

• Read through Mr Campbell's course PowerPoint presentation for this heading.

What are the political institutions in the USA?

In the United States of America, government can be at town, county, state and federal level. As America is a federal country, most services Americans use are run, mostly, by their county and state governments, such as education, healthcare and transport. This is explicitly stated in the US Constitution. At Federal level (i.e. national level), Article 1 of America’s constitution sets out three branches of government – each is supposed to be a check and balance upon the others, in order to avoid an all-powerful government. There is also a separation of powers at the Federal level, meaning someone cannot be part of more than one branch. The three branches of government at federal level are the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.

• Watch a YouTube clip from TED-Ed entitled, " How is power divided in the United States government?"

What is the 'legislative' branch in the USA, and what powers does it have?

The legislative branch of the US federal government consists of a bicameral Congress (i.e. it's made up of two parts). Congress is made up of the lower 435-member House of Representatives and the upper 100-member Senate. Their main responsibility is to pass legislation, thus their name: 'legislative' branch, but there are other examples of their powers which illustrate the checks and balances principle. For example, while the Executive branch (the President) drafts and proposes a federal budget, the so-called 'Power of the purse' rests with the House of Representatives, meaning they need to vote through a budget for the federal government every year. No agreement means a federal government 'shut down' occurs. Another example of checks and balances is that the House of Representatives has the power to impeach federal government positions, such as the President, with Section 4 of the US Constitution bestowing this power upon the Representatives. Impeachment in the House leads to a criminal trial in the Senate - a 'guilty' verdict at the end of which removes the government official from office. Finally, another example of checks and balances rests with the Senate. While the Executive has the power to appoint some 4,000 positions, over 1,200 require approval from the Senate through confirmation hearings which essential 'vet' the President's nominees. This happens for certain cabinet secretary positions as well as nominees for the US Supreme Court.

• Watch a YouTube clip from History entitled, "What Is the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CrashCourse entitled, "The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics"

What is the 'executive' branch in the USA, and what powers does it have?

The Executive branch of the US federal government consists of the President, Vice President, Cabinet and federal government agencies. The President is America’s Head of State and is elected every 4 years, during elections held on the first Tuesday of November - the winner of which is then inaugurated (sworn into office) on 20th January. The President’s roles and powers include: proposing bills to Congress, sign bills into law, appoint a cabinet to run government departments, make appointments to positions such as Supreme Court Justices, and serve as so-called 'commander in chief'. A notable example of the President's ability to check and balance the powers of the other branches comes in the form of the presidential veto. Under the Constitution, the President can refuse to sign a Bill, thus preventing it becoming law. This is called a ‘veto’. Usually, a President has ten days to sign a bill. If the veto is used, they’ll return it to Congress with an explanation for the veto. If Congress adjourns during the 10 days (i.e. it doesn’t meet), the president’s veto is referred to as a ‘pocket veto’. However, there's a balance on the Executive’s check, given that 2/3rd majority in the House and Senate can overturn a veto, although this depends on bipartisan working, given that the majority is a 'supermajority', i.e. not just 50% plus one.

• Watch a YouTube clip from History entitled, "Power to the President: What Does the President of the U.S. Actually Do?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from History entitled, "What Is the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CrashCourse entitled, "Presidential Power: Crash Course Government and Politics"

• Read a handout from Mr Campbell to accompany a BBC documentary entitled, "The Trump Show"

What is the 'judicial' branch in the USA, and what powers does it have?

The Judicial branch of the US federal government is best known as the Supreme Court. The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the land when it comes to the USA and has significant influence when it comes to checking and balancing the powers of the other branches. Since 1869, there have been nine Justices, including one Chief Justice. They are nominated by the President, and are appointed to the bench following Senate confirmation hearings approving their appointment. Unlike the Executive and Legislative branches, Supreme Court Justices have life tenure and serve on the bench as long as they wish. They only leave office when they choose the retire, die, or if they're impeached and convicted by the House of Representatives and Senate. The Supreme Court's main role is to rule on cases they choose to hear from the docket, which is effectively the petitions the court gets for cases people would like to hear. The Supreme Court's opinions (rulings on cases they hear) are finite, and mean that other branches must follow the court's opinions. While influential though, the Supreme Court's extent of influence is limited by the fact there are only nine Justices, meaning that while the court normally gets petitions for around 10,000 cases a year, they only have capacity to hear around 75-80.

• Watch a YouTube clip from History entitled, "What Is the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from Newsweek entitled, "The United States Supreme Court Explained In 2 Minutes"

• Watch a YouTube clip from Vox entitled, "How a case gets to the US Supreme Court"

Extent to which the political system allows democratic participation

• Read through Mr Campbell's course PowerPoint presentation for this heading.

To what extent does voting give Americans influence over their political systems and institutions?

Americans can get involved with the USA's political system and institutions in many ways. However, as a democracy, the main means of citizen involvement is voting. Most people over the age of 18 in America can vote to elect a variety of positions, including local Mayors, State Governors, Congress Representatives, and Senators, as well as the US President. Elections can also offer voters the chance to have their say through ballot measures, such as state-wide referenda on issues like abortion and drug laws. However, the influence of voting can be limited by factors such as gerrymandering the use of the Electoral College in US Presidential Elections - both of these limit the ability of the popular vote to reflect the final outcome in terms of peoples' wishes.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Washington Post entitled, "Gerrymandering, explained"

• Watch a YouTube clip from the CBS News entitled, "The Electoral College – explained"

• Watch a Netflix documentary entitled, "Whose Vote Counts, Explained". Also available on YouTube

• Read a handout from Mr Campbell to accompany the "Whose Vote Counts" documentary

To what extent does protesting and petitioning give Americans influence over their political systems and institutions?

Americans can get involved with the USA's political system and institutions in many ways. One means Americans can use to influence political decision making is through what's often called 'direct action' - petitioning and protesting. Under Amendment 1 of the US Constitution, people can petition government and protest peacefully. The "right of assembly" is what the US Constitution enshrines as protests. In recent years, some of the largest protests in American history have occurred, such as Women’s Marches, Black Lives Matter demonstrations, and pro-choice abortion protests. Petitions to the US government can also be submitted to elected officials, with the White House once having set up a specific website for e-petitions to be submitted, and receive a response from White House officials. However, given that protests and petitions tend to be used by -outsider' groups, their influence is limited. Politicians will only be moved by direct action which matches their political beliefs, after-all.

• • Watch a YouTube clip from the National Constitution Center entitled, "What is the First Amendment right to assembly?"

  • Read a CNN article entitled, "10 petitions that made the biggest impact this decade"

To what extent does joining a political party give Americans influence over their political systems and institutions?

Joining a political party is one means Americans can get involved with politics. Americans can join, donate, and/or campaign to/for a political party they support. Joining a political party means they can approve election candidates through caucuses and primary elections, as well as party policies through policy committees and National Conventions. Meanwhile, their activism through activities such as ‘get out the vote’ (making sure the party base actually votes in elections) could help Americans get their preferred politicians elected, and thus able to deliver the agenda they believe in. However, the influence one American has through joining a political party is limited. Political parties in America have millions of members, with decisions often taken by the leadership, and National Conventions very often just a media performance, and not a place for substantive policy debate.

• Watch a YouTube clip from PBS entitled, "Why Do We Have Political Parties?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from USA Today entitled, "Caucus vs. Primary: what's the difference?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CrashCourse entitled,"Political Parties: Crash Course Government and Politics"

How can Americans get involved with the USA's political system and institutions?

Americans can get involved with the USA's political system and institutions in many ways. However, as a democracy, the main means of citizen involvement is voting.

Most people over the age of 18 in America can vote to elect a variety of positions, including local Mayors, State Governors, Congress Representatives, and Senators, as well as the US President. Elections can also offer voters the chance to have their say through ballot measures, such as state-wide referenda on issues like abortion and drug laws. However, the influence of voting can be limited by factors such as gerrymandering the use of the Electoral College in US Presidential Elections - both of this limit the ability of the popular vote to reflect the final outcome in terms of peoples' wishes.

Another means Americans can use to influence political decision making is through what's often called 'direct action' - petitioning and protesting. Under Amendment 1 of the US Constitution, people can petition government and protest peacefully. The "right of assembly" is what the US Constitution enshrines as protests. In recent years, some of the largest protests in American history have occurred, such as Women’s Marches, Black Lives Matter demonstrations, and pro-choice abortion protests. Petitions to the US government can also be submitted to elected officials, with the White House once having set up a specific website for e-petitions to be submitted, and receive a response from White House officials. However, given that protests and petitions tend to be used by -outsider' groups, their influence is limited. Politicians will only be moved by direct action which matches their political beliefs, after-all.

Joining a political party is another means Americans can get involved with politics. Americans can join, donate, and/or campaign to/for a political party they support. Joining a political party means they can approve election candidates through caucuses and primary elections, as well as party policies through policy committees and National Conventions. Meanwhile, their activism through activities such as ‘get out the vote’ (making sure the party base actually votes in elections) could help Americans get their preferred politicians elected, and thus able to deliver the agenda they believe in. However, the influence one American has through joining a political party is limited. Political parties in America have millions of members, with decisions often taken by the leadership, and National Conventions very often just a media performance, and not a place for substantive policy debate.

What is the 'Electoral College'?

The Electoral College is the system which ultimately determines who is elected as President every four years. Under the Electoral College, America is divided into 538 electoral college votes. These votes are shared among the states by their share of population - the bigger the population, the higher votes they get. The exact formula used to work out a state's share of Electoral College votes is their number of Representatives in the House of Representatives, plus their 2 Senators - the result is their number of Electoral College votes. As Representatives in the House reflect state population at the census every decade, the Electoral College votes are effectively determined by state population. Congress has a total of 435 Representatives and 100 Senators, with the 3 remaining Electoral College votes going to Washington, D.C. When it comes to the presidential election, in most states, where a candidate wins the popular vote, they win all electoral college votes for that state. A couple of states award their Electoral College votes according to how the House of Representatives districts vote in their state(s). To win the Presidency, a candidate needs to achieve 270 votes out of 538. The idea that is that smaller states are equal to larger states, while candidates need to visit every area of the country. However, some criticise the Electoral College because it ensures that only two main parties have a realistic chance of winning, and a candidate can win the presidency without winning the popular vote across the country.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the CBS News entitled, "The Electoral College – explained"

What does the term 'gerrymandering' mean?

Gerrymandering is essentially when the boundaries of electoral districts are created in such a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage over rivals. The phrase itself dates from 1812, when Gov. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts' administration enacted a law establishing new state senatorial districts. The law favoured the Democratic-Republicans, and created a district map that looked like a salamander. Not much about gerrymandering has changed since 1812. It still consists of two basic principles: Cracking and packing. Cracking splits groups of people with similar characteristics, such as voters of the same party affiliation, across multiple districts. By cracking these voters, their voting strength is limited, meaning that these groups struggle to elect their preferred candidates in any of the districts they've been cracked into. Meanwhile, packing is the opposite of cracking. Packing involves districts being created to group voters of a same type together. These packed voters are likely to elect their preferred candidates, but their voting strength is weakened everywhere else.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Washington Post entitled, "Gerrymandering, explained"

What were the results of the 2024 elections in the United States of America (USA)?

The 2024 US elections took place on Tuesday 5th November. While many people know this as the date when the US President was elected, there were actually various elections at the same time. For instance, all US citizens could elect their next President, and all US citizens were also electing their Representative in the US House of Representatives (part of Congress – America’s parliament). However, in 11 states, people elected a State Governor, in 10 states, voters voted on what their state abortion law(s) should be, and in 5 states, voters voted on whether their state should legalise certain drugs for personal use. In terms of the presidential election, Donald Trump won and was elected the 47th President. Unlike his previous win in 2016, Trump won both the popular vote (he got most the votes people cast) and the electoral college. Trump won 312 electoral college votes to Harris’ 226. This means that Trump will be inaugurated as President on 20th January 2025, and serve a second term as President. When it comes to the elections for Congress, the Grand Old Party (GOP), often referred to as the Republicans, won control of both the House of Representatives and Senate, winning 220 seats out of 435 in the House and 53 out of 100 seats in the Senate. This means that Trump will enter the Presidency with control of Congress, potentially making it easier for President Trump to enact his agenda. The next elections in America will be November 2026 - the so-called 'mid-term elections' as they come half-way through the President's four-year term. In those elections (held in the first Tuesday of November), all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be up for election.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Guardian entitled, "Why America voted for Donald Trump (again)"

• Watch a YouTube clip from ABC News entitled, "Exit polls 2024: Fears for American democracy, economic discontent drive voters"

• Watch a YouTube clip from BBC News entitled, "How Donald Trump won the US presidential election"

• Watch a YouTube clip from ITV News entitled, "U.S. Election 2024: How did the night unfold?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from Al Jazeera entitled, "How Trump won in a divided America and what's next?"

• Read an article on NBC News with the exit polls from the US 2024 elections

A world power’s international influence

• Read through Mr Campbell's course PowerPoint presentation for this heading.

In what ways does America have cultural international influence?

Through cultural influence, the USA can hope to spread their values via 'soft' means, i.e. opportunities to influence other countries through non-violent means. For example, American films – often made in Hollywood – tend to dominate box offices globally. US film and TV exports are worth around $17.2 billion to the US economy, which bolsters the economic influence America can also have, given the income earned from film and TV exports. Films and TV programmes are in addition to the many companies and brands which dominate markets around the world - think about the clothing styles we wear, fast food restaurants we can eat at, shops we visit, and music we listen to. News readership and control over the internet also give the USA cultural influence. For instance, CNN was the world’s first 24/7 news channel and can be watched in over 200 countries, reaching 347 million households. Meanwhile, the three most visited websites – Google, YouTube and Facebook - are based in Silicon Valley, California. However, the extent of US cultural influence is arguably weakening due to the rise in power of countries opposed to 'westernisation' or 'Americanization'. For instance, in certain countries (like China, North Korea, and Russia - to name but three), US content is often not shown, or is heavily censored.

In what ways does America have economic international influence?

Aid and sanctions are two means the USA can have economic influence abroad.

Aid is issued for humanitarian reasons, but also to protect national security interests and potentially for reasons of quid pro quo, i.e. if America supports a country through aid, they might expect something back in return. Given the size of the US economy, it's no surprise to know that America spends a significant amount on aid. In 2017, the US spent $49billion on 13,000 aid projects in 209 countries. As a consequence, some aid programmes have had significantly positive consequences, such as the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) saving 17 million lives from HIV/AIDS and US aid between 2014-2019 lowering homicide rates by up to 60% in places the programme was active, in El Salvador. However, the extent of influence can be limited by party politics. This is because aid is essentially decided by the US President, who can label aid as military, and use his powers as commander in chief to support projects. Ultimately, less aid spending can mean less influence for America abroad.

• Look at this map on the USAID website to learn about aid projects, and the results

Sanctions involve restricting countries, organisations or individuals from certain actions, e.g. travelling or trading. The objective of sanctions is to stop those sanctioned from breaking international law or acting aggressively. The USA, having the world’s largest economy and significant political influence through organisations which uphold sanctions, has significant influence in imposing and enforcing sanctions. America’s military influence can also be called upon to enforce sanctions, where appropriate. However, the influence of sanctions can be limited depending on the countries, people, and/or organisations being sanctions. Sanctions are often imposed on countries, organisations, and/ or people that oppose America to start with, meaning the impact is often limited. A prime example is North Korea. Despite being under US sanctions since the 1950s, North Korea still earns money through illegal trade and has used this money to develop nuclear weapons - the very thing sanctions were aimed at preventing.

• Watch a YouTube clip from CNBC entitled, "Do economic sanctions work?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from BBC News entitled, "How is North Korea evading sanctions?"

In what ways does America have military international influence?

America has often been referred to as "the world's policeman". Originally applied to the United Kingdom during the age of Empire, the phrase has been applied to America since their pivotal intervention in the Second World War. Until WW2, America was isolationist, but their intervention in WW2 with their significant number of forces and equipment led to a role which endures today: Protector of world peace. In 2020, the United States military budget was $778 billion - about 38% of the world’s entire military spending. As a consequence of this spending, the US has around 800 military bases worldwide, showing the significant extent and reach of the US military globally. Much of this is legacy from WW2 and the Cold War, with the US still having 54,000 troops in Germany and 50,000 in Japan - both as legacies from the Second World War. However, despite the spending and global base numbers, America cannot always dominate on its own - support from allies is necessary, such as America triggering NATO's Article 5 following 9/11 or US and European co-operation with military operations in Ukraine and the Middle East.

• Watch a YouTube clip from Vox entitled, "Why does the US have 800 military bases around the world?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Infographic Show entitled, "How Strong is US Military in 2024?"

• Watch a documentary from Business Insider entitled, "How The US Military Spends $800B Per Year On War Machines", on YouTube

In what ways does America have political international influence?

Ambassadors are one of the ways America has influence abroad politically. Appointed by the President, Ambassadors and their teams at consulates and embassies around the world represent the US internationally by communicating with world leaders and brokering deals. US political representatives also represent US interests at various international organisations and summits, such as the United Nations. Diplomatic efforts in recent years have resulted in the US President meeting the leader of North Korea, the ceasefire of hostilities in parts of the Middle East, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. However, the efforts of countries hostile to US political interests limit American political influence. For example, Russia has increased diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa, while China overtook America in 2019 as the country with the most diplomatic posts around the world. This gives countries opposed to American interests the opportunity to grow their own political influence worldwide.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the National Museum of American Diplomacy entitled, "What Is Diplomacy and How Does it Work?"

What does the phrase 'superpower' mean when it comes to the USA?

The earliest known use of the term 'superpower' dates from the 1840s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. However, it's modern meaning and connection with the USA only dates from the aftermath of the Second World War. A superpower is effectively a country that possesses military and/ or economic power, coupled with a general influence which is vastly superior to that of other countries. Nowadays, the USA is recognised as the dominant superpower - a position gained following US intervention in WW2. Since then, America has retained an economic, military, and political influence around the globe. It has the largest GDP of any country; its military spending dwarves all other countries; and, the USA's political influence is extensive - many international organisations even find themselves based in America, such as New York being home to the United Nations (UN).

• Watch a YouTube clip from Vox entitled, "How America became a superpower"

What does the phrase 'Americanization' mean?

Americanization' is an example of the 'soft' influence the USA has abroad. When it comes to the term 'Americanization', consider the ways the USA sets the agenda and tone around the world, without the need for any economic, military and/or political involvement. For example, consider the brands we're familiar with, the restaurants we eat at, the artists and music we listen to, the websites and apps we use, etc. All of these grow US influence internationally, given that many of these go back to the USA, expanding the US economy, and giving the USA influence through regulations and laws. For example, many of the websites we use day-to-day are based in America, meaning that laws and regulations made in America can influence the rest of the world at the stroke of a pen.

To what extent does America have international influence?

The earliest known use of the term 'superpower' dates from the 1840s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. However, it's modern meaning and connection with the USA only dates from the aftermath of the Second World War. A superpower is effectively a country that possesses military and/ or economic power, coupled with a general influence which is vastly superior to that of other countries. Nowadays, the USA is recognised as the dominant superpower - a position gained following US intervention in WW2. Since then, America has retained an economic, military, and political influence around the globe. It has the largest GDP of any country; its military spending dwarves all other countries; and, the USA's political influence is extensive - many international organisations even find themselves based in America, such as New York being home to the United Nations (UN).

Through cultural influence, the USA can hope to spread their values via 'soft' means, i.e. opportunities to influence other countries through non-violent means. For example, American films – often made in Hollywood – tend to dominate box offices globally. US film and TV exports are worth around $17.2 billion to the US economy, which bolsters the economic influence America can also have, given the income earned from film and TV exports. Films and TV programmes are in addition to the many companies and brands which dominate markets around the world - think about the clothing styles we wear, fast food restaurants we can eat at, shops we visit, and music we listen to. News readership and control over the internet also give the USA cultural influence. For instance, CNN was the world’s first 24/7 news channel and can be watched in over 200 countries, reaching 347 million households. Meanwhile, the three most visited websites – Google, YouTube and Facebook - are based in Silicon Valley, California. However, the extent of US cultural influence is arguably weakening due to the rise in power of countries opposed to 'westernisation' or 'Americanization'. For instance, in certain countries (like China, North Korea, and Russia - to name but three), US content is often not shown, or is heavily censored.

Aid and sanctions are two means the USA can have economic influence abroad.

Aid is issued for humanitarian reasons, but also to protect national security interests and potentially for reasons of quid pro quo, i.e. if America supports a country through aid, they might expect something back in return. Given the size of the US economy, it's no surprise to know that America spends a significant amount on aid. In 2017, the US spent $49billion on 13,000 aid projects in 209 countries. As a consequence, some aid programmes have had significantly positive consequences, such as the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) saving 17 million lives from HIV/AIDS and US aid between 2014-2019 lowering homicide rates by up to 60% in places the programme was active, in El Salvador. However, the extent of influence can be limited by party politics. This is because aid is essentially decided by the US President, who can label aid as military, and use his powers as commander in chief to support projects. Ultimately, less aid spending can mean less influence for America abroad.

Sanctions involve restricting countries, organisations or individuals from certain actions, e.g. travelling or trading. The objective of sanctions is to stop those sanctioned from breaking international law or acting aggressively. The USA, having the world’s largest economy and significant political influence through organisations which uphold sanctions, has significant influence in imposing and enforcing sanctions. America’s military influence can also be called upon to enforce sanctions, where appropriate. However, the influence of sanctions can be limited depending on the countries, people, and/or organisations being sanctions. Sanctions are often imposed on countries, organisations, and/ or people that oppose America to start with, meaning the impact is often limited. A prime example is North Korea. Despite being under US sanctions since the 1950s, North Korea still earns money through illegal trade and has used this money to develop nuclear weapons - the very thing sanctions were aimed at preventing."

America has often been referred to as "the world's policeman". Originally applied to the United Kingdom during the age of Empire, the phrase has been applied to America since their pivotal intervention in the Second World War. Until WW2, America was isolationist, but their intervention in WW2 with their significant number of forces and equipment led to a role which endures today: Protector of world peace. In 2020, the United States military budget was $778 billion - about 38% of the world’s entire military spending. As a consequence of this spending, the US has around 800 military bases worldwide, showing the significant extent and reach of the US military globally. Much of this is legacy from WW2 and the Cold War, with the US still having 54,000 troops in Germany and 50,000 in Japan - both as legacies from the Second World War. However, despite the spending and global base numbers, America cannot always dominate on its own - support from allies is necessary, such as America triggering NATO's Article 5 following 9/11 or US and European co-operation with military operations in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Ambassadors are another one of the ways America has influence abroad politically. Appointed by the President, Ambassadors and their teams at consulates and embassies around the world represent the US internationally by communicating with world leaders and brokering deals. US political representatives also represent US interests at various international organisations and summits, such as the United Nations. Diplomatic efforts in recent years have resulted in the US President meeting the leader of North Korea, the ceasefire of hostilities in parts of the Middle East, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. However, the efforts of countries hostile to US political interests limit American political influence. For example, Russia has increased diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa, while China overtook America in 2019 as the country with the most diplomatic posts around the world. This gives countries opposed to American interests the opportunity to grow their own political influence worldwide.

Socio-economic inequality and its impact on a specific group in society

• Read through Mr Campbell's course PowerPoint presentation for this heading.

• Read a handout from Mr Campbell on homelessness in America, which accompanies this CNBC clip on YouTube

• Read a handout from Mr Campbell on racial inequality in America's justice, which accompanies this Netflix documentary. Also available on YouTube

What social inequalities exist in the USA? How do these impact Americans?

When it comes to social and economic inequality in America, you might see 'socio-economic' used as a term to illustrate the inter-connected nature of the inequalities. However, if you want to separate the two, consider social inequality as differences between groups of people. In other words, how does health differ across different racial groups? How does pay vary by gender? Economic inequalities are issues related to wealth, such as poverty and unemployment.

Education is a social problem in America - a problem often linked to factors such as geography, income, and race. While the Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools in its landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, in 1954, many schools are still effectively segregated due to the school district they're in. This is important as ethnic minority communities tend to be poorer, meaning schools often have lower budgets, and are therefore less able to provide high quality learning and teaching. As a consequence, minorities in America are less likely to achieve further or higher education qualifications. However, the problem can be easily overstated, with the situation improving slightly. For instance, high school completion rates among minorities have mostly improved in the past couple of decades. This means more people are graduating high school, and leaving with qualifications which might enable them to gain better paying employment or go to college.

• Watch a YouTube clip from CNBC entitled, "The problem of education inequality"

• Watch a YouTube clip from ABC News entitled, "The Resegregation of America's schools"

• Watch a YouTube clip from Vox entitled, "Teaching in the US vs. the rest of the world"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CNBC entitled, "Why College Is So Expensive In America"

Health is another social inequality in the USA. Unlike the UK, the USA has no universal healthcare system. Instead, Americans either pay for healthcare out of pocket, or through health insurance plans. However, this doesn't stop healthcare bills being significantly costly. Medical bills are cited in a significant majority of bankruptcies, with America's life expectancy falling and obesity rate increasing. When it comes to the social aspect of this inequality, we see that minorities are less likely to have health insurance plans, and are therefore more likely to pay for care out of pocket. Given that minorities are more likely to live in poverty, it is fair to assume that some minorities will avoid seeking healthcare and treatment in order to avoid potential expenses - this is evidenced by the fact that life expectancy rates are worse for ethnic minority Americans. However, there are signs of green shoots of improvement, such as the percentage of ethnic minorities taking out health insurance policies in recent years increasing.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Infographic Show entitled, "US Healthcare System Explained"

• Watch a YouTube clip from PBS entitled, "Health Disparities in the Black Community: Past & Present"

• Watch a YouTube clip from Vox entitled, "The real reason American health care is so expensive"

• Watch a documentary from PBS entitled, "Health care: America vs. the World". Available on YouTube

What economic inequalities exist in the USA? How do these impact Americans?

When it comes to social and economic inequality in America, you might see 'socio-economic' used as a term to illustrate the inter-connected nature of the inequalities. However, if you want to separate the two, consider social inequality as differences between groups of people. In other words, how does health differ across different racial groups? How does pay vary by gender? Economic inequalities are issues related to wealth, such as poverty and unemployment.

When it comes to economic inequalities in America, these exist to a significant extent. The American Dream is the idea that anyone can “make it” in America, if they are willing to put in the work. However, the American Dream is often just that – a dream. For instance, the top 0.1% of America’s wealthiest households own over one-fifth of the United States of America’s entire wealth, with millions of Americans finding themselves in poverty in a country where the welfare system is limited, compared to the UK. However, as with other inequalities, certain groups are more likely to experience poverty. Ethic minorities are more likely to not just live in poverty, but face multidimensional poverty which impacts various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and health - to name but a few. However, things are improving, with the rates of poverty for ethnic minority Americans falling. In recent years, the poverty rate for African Americans has reached or surpassed previous low rates not seen since the 1950s.

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Economist entitled, "Why is there still poverty in America?"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CNBC entitled, "Why The U.S. Can’t End Poverty"

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Economist entitled, "Mapping poverty in America"

• Watch a YouTube clip from the Wall Street Journal entitled, "A Portrait of Poverty in America: Job Insecurity and Payday Lending"

• Watch a YouTube clip from DW entitled, "Poor in New York - Survival and the city"

• Watch a YouTube clip from PBS entitled, "The story of American poverty, as told by one Alabama county"

• Watch a YouTube clip from CNBC entitled, "Why A $100,000 Salary Can’t Buy The American Dream"

• Watch a documentary entitled, "America's Poorest Kids". Available on YouTube

• Watch a documentary entitled, "Why Americans Feel So Poor". Available on YouTube

Effectiveness of government responses to socio-economic inequality

• Read through Mr Campbell's course PowerPoint presentation for this heading.

How has the US Government tried to tackle social inequalities?

When it comes to social and economic inequality in America, you might see 'socio-economic' used as a term to illustrate the inter-connected nature of the inequalities. However, if you want to separate the two, consider social inequality as differences between groups of people. In other words, how does health differ across different racial groups? How does pay vary by gender? Economic inequalities are issues related to wealth, such as poverty and unemployment. The US government has tried to tackle these issues in different ways.

Education is a social problem in America - a problem often linked to factors such as geography, income, and race. While the Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools in its landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, in 1954, many schools are still effectively segregated due to the school district they're in. This is important as ethnic minority communities tend to be poorer, meaning schools often have lower budgets, and are therefore less able to provide high quality learning and teaching. As a consequence, minorities in America are less likely to achieve further or higher education qualifications. The US government has tried to deal with this issue through Pell Grants. US federal government Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not already gained a degree, and are in financial need of assistance to support them through further and higher education. Unlike a loan, Pell grants do not need to paid back. As a consequence, Pell Grants are particularly aimed at supporting the poorest students, who might already have significant debts, and view further education as unaffordable expense - particularly when it comes to African American students. The amount an individual receives depends on what they can contribute to their course fees, the cost of attendance, and their student status. Pell Grants can be seen as successful given that high school completion rates among minorities have mostly improved in the past couple of decades. This means more people are graduating high school, and leaving with qualifications which might enable them to gain better paying employment or go to college, viewing Pell Grants as making this realistic.

Health is another social inequality in the USA. Unlike the UK, the USA has no universal healthcare system. Instead, Americans either pay for healthcare out of pocket, or through health insurance plans. However, this doesn't stop healthcare bills being significantly costly. Medical bills are cited in a significant majority of bankruptcies, with America's life expectancy falling and obesity rate increasing. When it comes to the social aspect of this inequality, we see that minorities are less likely to have health insurance plans, and are therefore more likely to pay for care out of pocket. Given that minorities are more likely to live in poverty, it is fair to assume that some minorities will avoid seeking healthcare and treatment in order to avoid potential expenses - this is evidenced by the fact that life expectancy rates are worse for ethnic minority Americans. The US government has responded to healthcare inequalities in various ways, including Obamacare and Medicaid. Obamacare, officially entitled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010. It created state-run marketplaces where people could compare insurance policy prices, banned insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions, and allowed young people to stay on their parents' plans until 26. Obamacare helped millions secure health insurance, showing its effectiveness. Meanwhile, Medicaid is more established. Created in 1965 by President Johnson, as part of his famous ‘war on poverty’, Medicaid provides limited health insurance coverage and services to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Over 80 million Americans are covered in some way through Medicaid. Given that the percentage of adults with health insurance has grown in recent years, the US government's interventions could be seen as somewhat effective.

How has the US Government tried to tackle economic inequalities?

When it comes to social and economic inequality in America, you might see 'socio-economic' used as a term to illustrate the inter-connected nature of the inequalities. However, if you want to separate the two, consider social inequality as differences between groups of people. In other words, how does health differ across different racial groups? How does pay vary by gender? Economic inequalities are issues related to wealth, such as poverty and unemployment. The US government has tried to tackle these issues in different ways.

Economic inequalities exist to a significant extent, in America. The American Dream is the idea that anyone can “make it” in America, if they are willing to put in the work. However, the American Dream is often just that – a dream. For instance, the top 0.1% of America’s wealthiest households own over one-fifth of the United States of America’s entire wealth, with millions of Americans finding themselves in poverty in a country where the welfare system is limited, compared to the UK. However, as with other inequalities, certain groups are more likely to experience poverty. Ethic minorities are more likely to not just live in poverty, but face multidimensional poverty which impacts various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and health - to name but a few. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one way the US government has tried to respond. EITC allows eligible Americans to cut their tax bill, and potentially receive a refund. EITC is available to certain families with an income of under $57,414. Given that the average income in America is over $70,000, it could be said that EITC therefore particularly helps those from poorer backgrounds, with around 25 million people and families receiving EITC support. Meanwhile, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides eligible Americans with food stamps. Americans apply to their state government for SNAP support, with successful applicants having their food stamps loaded each month onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. EBT cards can then be used to buy certain groceries at authorized food stores and retailers. As a consequence of SNAP, over 35 million Americans get vital support to purchase groceries.

To what extent do social and economic inequalities exist in America?

When it comes to social and economic inequality in America, you might see 'socio-economic' used as a term to illustrate the inter-connected nature of the inequalities. However, if you want to separate the two, consider social inequality as differences between groups of people. In other words, how does health differ across different racial groups? How does pay vary by gender? Economic inequalities are issues related to wealth, such as poverty and unemployment.

Education is a social problem in America - a problem often linked to factors such as geography, income, and race. While the Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools in its landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, in 1954, many schools are still effectively segregated due to the school district they're in. This is important as ethnic minority communities tend to be poorer, meaning schools often have lower budgets, and are therefore less able to provide high quality learning and teaching. As a consequence, minorities in America are less likely to achieve further or higher education qualifications. However, the problem can be easily overstated, with the situation improving slightly. For instance, high school completion rates among minorities have mostly improved in the past couple of decades. This means more people are graduating high school, and leaving with qualifications which might enable them to gain better paying employment or go to college.

Health is another social inequality in the USA. Unlike the UK, the USA has no universal healthcare system. Instead, Americans either pay for healthcare out of pocket, or through health insurance plans. However, this doesn't stop healthcare bills being significantly costly. Medical bills are cited in a significant majority of bankruptcies, with America's life expectancy falling and obesity rate increasing. When it comes to the social aspect of this inequality, we see that minorities are less likely to have health insurance plans, and are therefore more likely to pay for care out of pocket. Given that minorities are more likely to live in poverty, it is fair to assume that some minorities will avoid seeking healthcare and treatment in order to avoid potential expenses - this is evidenced by the fact that life expectancy rates are worse for ethnic minority Americans. However, there are signs of green shoots of improvement, such as the percentage of ethnic minorities taking out health insurance policies in recent years increasing.

When it comes to economic inequalities in America, these exist to a significant extent. The American Dream is the idea that anyone can “make it” in America, if they are willing to put in the work. However, the American Dream is often just that – a dream. For instance, the top 0.1% of America’s wealthiest households own over one-fifth of the United States of America’s entire wealth, with millions of Americans finding themselves in poverty in a country where the welfare system is limited, compared to the UK. However, as with other inequalities, certain groups are more likely to experience poverty. Ethic minorities are more likely to not just live in poverty, but face multidimensional poverty which impacts various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and health - to name but a few. However, things are improving, with the rates of poverty for ethnic minority Americans falling. In recent years, the poverty rate for African Americans has reached or surpassed previous low rates not seen since the 1950s.