A LEVEL POLITICS – COMPONENT 3 LEARNING GUIDE

Key content for Component 3: US and Comparative Politics

1. The US Constitution and federalism – OS (6 weeks incl 1 on comparative)

1.1 The nature of the US Constitution
1.2 The principles of the US Constitution
1.3 The main characteristics of US federalism
1.4 Interpretations and debates around the US Constitution and
federalism

2. The US Congress - OS (6 weeks)

2.1 The structure of Congress
2.2 The functions of Congress: Representation, Legislative, Oversight
2.3 Interpretations and debates around Congress

3. The US presidency – PA
3.1 Formal sources of presidential power
3.2 Informal sources of presidential power
3.3 The Presidency: relationships with Congress and the Supreme
Court; Limitations on power
3.4 Interpretations and debates of the US presidency

4. The US Supreme Court and Civil Rights – PA

4.1 The nature and role of the Supreme Court
4.2 The appointment process for the Supreme Court
4.3 The Supreme Court and public policy
4.4 The protection of civil liberties and rights in the US today
4.5 Race and rights in contemporary US politics
4.6 Interpretations and debates of the US Supreme Court and civil
rights

5. US democracy and participation - OS/PA (7 weeks)

5.1 Electoral systems in the USA – (OS)
5.2 The key ideas and principles of the Democratic and Republican
parties - (PA)
5.3 Interest groups in the USA – (PA)
5.4 Interpretations & debates of US democracy & participation -
(OS/PA)

6. Comparative theories (PA/OS - 4 weeks)

6.1 Key Theoretical Approaches
6.2 Similarities and differences in the UK and USA
- US & UK Constitutions
- US & UK Legislatures
- US & UK Executives
- UK & US Supreme Courts & civil rights
 - UK & US Democracy & Participation
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics OJS - 6 weeks

Topic 1 - The US Constitution

K

The US Constitution Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

1. Key Terms & Concepts: 1.1 The nature of the US Constitution.

Bipartisanship • Vagueness of the document, codification
Checks and balances and entrenchment.

Codification • The constitutional framework (powers) of

the US branches of government.
Constitution
• The amendment process, including
Entrenchment advantages and disadvantages of the
Enumerated powers formal process.
Federalism
Limited government 1.2 The principles of the US Constitution (as
‘Principle’ listed below) and an evaluation of their
effectiveness today.
Separation of powers
• Federalism.
• Separation of powers and checks and
balances.
• Bipartisanship.
• Limited government.

1.3 The main characteristics of US federalism

• The nature of the federal system of
government and its relationship with the
states.

1.4 Interpretations and debates around the

US Constitution and federalism
• The extent of democracy within the US
Constitution, its strengths and
weaknesses and its impact on the US
government today.
• The debates around the extent to which
the USA remains federal today.

Tasks
Read Chapter 1 – introduction to US Politics
Explore the origins of the US Constitution - https://constitutioncenter.org/timeline/flash/cw.html
Note making on Nature of the Constitution and amendment process – pps20-27
Note making on Separation of Powers and Bipartisanship– pps27-35
Note making on Federalism – pps36-46 (to include timeline)
Reading/note making from articles
Research on recent constitutional amendment attempts
Essay – Evaluate the extent to which the process for amending the US Constitution works well [30]
Source-based activity p44 on US federalism: Is Washington doing too much or too little?

Key Reading:
The US Constitution
Amendments to the US Constitution and timeline
Pearson Edexcel A level Politics
Extension Reading:
Politics Review Vol 25, No. 4, April 2016, Debate: Is the US federal government too powerful? R
Maggs & S Lemieux
Politics Review Vol 23, No. 3, Feb 2014, The US Constitution: does it ensure limited government? R
Singh
Politics Review Vol 25, No.3, February 2016, The US Constitution: a protection against the growth of
a security state? A Colclough
National Constitution Center - https://constitutioncenter.org/
Bowdoin College Founding Principles video series - http://www.bowdoin.edu/founding-
principles/chapter-one.shtml
Recent constitutional amendment attempts –
• http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/12/a-look-at-proposed-constitutional-
amendments-and-how-seldom-they-go-anywhere/
• http://thehill.com/homenews/house/382915-bid-to-amend-constitution-falls-short-in-the-
house
• https://www.economist.com/briefing/2017/09/30/america-might-see-a-new-constitutional-
convention-in-a-few-years

Recent federalism debates -

• https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/02/trump-states-rights-education-sanctuary-drilling-
492784
• http://www.governing.com/columns/potomac-chronicle/gov-federalism-trump-knots.html
• https://www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2018/05/15/the-supreme-court-lets-
states-legalise-sport-gambling
• https://www.salon.com/2017/04/02/federalism-explained-is-progressive-federalism-an-
oxymoron_partner/

Separation of powers examples –

• Congress rejecting/delaying/amending Pres legislative proposals – immigration reform, gun law reform
• Power of purse – the Wall
• Refusing appointments - Ronny Jackson to VA, Ryan Bounds to judgeship + incl inaction – Garland
• Refusing to ratify treaties – Kyoto, CTBT, 2012 UN rights of disabled convention – but likely refusal leads to non-
treaty deals (Iran)
• Impeachment – Clinton, Porteous
• Amending constitution to overturn a judicial decision – Income tax, topical attempts

• Pres veto – Keystone XL

• Congress veto override – Obama 9/11 Act
• Pres judicial apptmt – Kavanaugh
• Pres pardon – Arpaio, Libby. Alice Marie Johnson (Obama 212 pardons, 1715 commutations)

• Cts can strike down a law as unconstitutional – Murphy, Shelby County, Sebelius, Citizens Utd
• Cts can check Pres by declaring action unconstitutional – Hamdan, etc + Obama/Trump immigration rules
Sample Questions:
Spec 2 Q 3 (a) Evaluate the view that the US Constitution ensures that civil rights are effectively
protected by the Supreme Court.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. (30)

2019 Paper Q3(b) Evaluate the effective working of the US Constitution depends more on interest
groups than the Supreme Court.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]
2020 Q3 Evaluate the view that the constitutional system of checks and balances is an obstacle to
effective government
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]
2020 Q 1 Examine how devolution in the UK differs from federalism in USA. (12)
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics PA- 6 weeks
Topic 2 - The US Congress
K

US Congress Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding

of:

2. Key Terms & Concepts: 2.1 The structure of Congress

Congressional caucuses • Bicameral nature, the membership of
Congress and the election cycle.
Divided government
Filibuster
2.1.1 The distribution of powers within
Gridlock Congress:
Incumbency • powers given to Congress in the
Mid-term elections Constitution, the exclusive powers of
each House and the concurrent
Oversight
powers of Congress.
Partisanship
Unanimous consent 2.2 The functions of Congress.
2.2.1 Representation
• Congressional elections and the
significance of incumbency.
• Factors that affect voting behaviour
within Congress:
• parties and caucuses, constituency,
pressure groups and lobbyists.

2.2.2 Legislative
• The legislative process, including the
strengths and weaknesses of this
process.
• The differences between the
legislative process in each chamber.
• The policy significance of Congress –
impact and effectiveness of laws
passed.

2.2.3 Oversight
• Factors that influence the relationship
between Congress and the
presidency.
• The checks on the other branches of
government and the extent of its
institutional effectiveness

2.3 Interpretations and debates around

Congress
• Changing roles and powers of Congress
and their relative importance, and
debates about adequacy of its
representative role
• Changing significance of parties in
Congress
• Significance and effectiveness of the
powers outlined in the Constitution
Tasks
Reading on functions and structure of Congress – pps 59-69 (to go with AJE intro ppt)
Center on Congress interactive learning modules - https://corg.iu.edu/
Reading on Legislative process (adding to Center on Congress module notes) – pps 74-83
AJE Ppt on legislative process
Note making on Representation & voting influences – pps 87-99
Note making on Congressional committees – pps 69-74 and Oversight – pps 84-86
Group research and presentations into Bills -
Individual research and sharing findings on committees and oversight
Activity p83 – using Center on Congress
Reading/note making from articles
AJE Ppt on Role of Parties in Congress

Essay – Evaluate the extent to which Congress is a representative body [30]

Essay – Evaluate the extent to which political parties play an important role in Congress [30]

Key Reading:
Pearson Edexcel Alevel Politics

Extension Reading:
Politics Review Vol 26, No. 1, September 2016, Is Congress overly dysfunctional and partisan? A J
Bennett
Politics Review Vol 23, No. 4, April 2014, Is Congress “the broken branch”? R Hamal & A Baker
It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New
Politics of Extremism, Norman Ornstein & Thomas Mann, Basic Books 2013
Brookings Institute - https://www.brookings.edu/topic/u-s-congress/

Sample Questions:
Spec 1 Q 3(b) Evaluate the extent to which Congressional oversight of the President is ineffective.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

Spec 2 Q 3(c) Evaluate the view that the legislative process is more effectively influenced by pressure
groups than political parties.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2019 Paper Q3(a) Evaluate the view that US Foreign Policy is dominated as much by Congress as by
the presidency.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2020 Q 1(a) Examine how the powers of the US Congress and the UK Parliament are limited in
different ways. (12)
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics PA - 6 weeks
Topic 3 - The US Presidency
K

US Presidency Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding

of:

1. Key Terms & Concepts: 3.1 Formal sources of presidential power as

outlined in the US Constitution and their use.
Domestic politics
• The role as the Head of State and as the
Electoral mandate
Head of Government
Executive branch • The significance of these powers with
Executive orders reference to presidents since 1992.
Imperial presidency
3.2 Informal sources of presidential power
Imperilled presidency and their use
Informal powers • The electoral mandate, executive orders,
Powers of persuasion national events and the cabinet
• Powers of persuasion including the
Unified Government
nature/characteristics of each president.
• Executive Office of the President (EXOP),
including the role of the National
Security Council (NSC), Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and the
White House Office (WHO)
• The significance of these powers with
reference to presidents since 1992

3.3 The presidency:

3.3.1 Relationships between the
presidency and the following institutions
and why this varies:
• Congress and the Supreme Court

3.3.2 Limitations on presidential power

and why this varies between presidents:
• changing nature of power over their
term in office
• Congress, the Supreme Court and
the Constitution
• the election cycle and divided
government
• The significance of these limitations
with reference to presidents since
1992

3.4 Interpretations and debates of the US

presidency
• How effectively they have achieved their
aims
• The imperial presidency
• The extent of presidential accountability
to Congress
• The role and power of the president in
 US Presidency Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

foreign policy
• With reference to presidents since 1992

Sample Questions:

Spec 1 Q 3(b) Evaluate the extent to which Congressional oversight of the President is ineffective.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2019 Paper Q3(a) Evaluate the view that US Foreign Policy is dominated as much by Congress as by
the presidency.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2020 Q3 Evaluate the view that the presidential power of persuasion is the most significant influence
on the policies and ideas of political parties (30)
2020 Examine the ways in which the roles of the US President and UK PM are different. (12)
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics PA - 4 weeks
Topic 4 - The US Supreme Court & Civil Rights
K

US Supreme Court & Civil Rights Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

1. Key Terms & Concepts: 4.1 The nature and role of the Supreme Court
Conservative justice • The US Constitution
• The independent nature of the Supreme
Imperial judiciary
Court
Judicial activism • The judicial review process (Marbury vs
Judicial restraint Madison 1803 and Fletcher vs Peck
1810)
Judicial review
Liberal justice
4.2 The appointment process for the
Living constitution
Supreme Court
Originalism
• Strengths and weaknesses of the process
Public policy • Factors influencing the president’s choice
Stare decisis of nominee
• The current composition and ideological
Strict/loose
balance of the Court
constructionist
Swing justice
4.3 The Supreme Court and public policy
Constitutional rights
• The impact of the Supreme Court on
Racial equality public policy in the US, with a range of
Affirmative action examples, including examples post-2005
• Political significance debate: the role of
judicial activism and judicial restraint,
and criticisms of each

4.4 The protection of civil liberties and rights

in the US today
• Rights protected by the Constitution, by
the Bill of Rights, by subsequent
constitutional amendments and by
rulings of the Supreme Court

4.5 Race and rights in contemporary US

politics
• The methods, influence and effectiveness
of racial rights
• campaigns and the impact on current
domestic policy:
• voting rights, affirmative action and
representation

4.6 Interpretations and debates of the US

Supreme Court and civil rights
• The political versus judicial nature of the
Supreme Court
• Living Constitution ideology as against
originalism
• How effectively civil and constitutional
 US Supreme Court & Civil Rights Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

rights have been upheld by the Supreme

Court and the effectiveness of this
protection
• The extent of their powers and the
effectiveness of checks and balances
• The successes and failures of measures
to promote equality, including affirmative
action and immigration reform

Sample Questions:

Spec 1 Q3a) Evaluate the extent to which the Supreme Court is now an ‘imperial judiciary’.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

Spec 1 Q 3c) Evaluate the extent to which racial equality has been advanced in the 21st century.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

Spec 2 Q 3 (a) Evaluate the view that the US Constitution ensures that civil rights are effectively
protected by the Supreme Court.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. (30)

2019 Paper Q3(b) Evaluate the effective working of the US Constitution depends more on interest
groups than the Supreme Court.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]
2020 Q3 Evaluate the view that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court ensure that it is a
political body rather than a judicial one. (30)
2020 Q1 Examine how interest groups in the USA are more effective at protecting civil rights than
pressure groups in the UK. (30)
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics PA - 7 weeks & PA - 4 weeks
Topic 5 - US Democracy & Participation
K

US Democracy & Participation Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

1. Key Terms & Concepts: 5.1 Electoral systems in the USA – OS

Campaign finance 5.1.1 Presidential elections and their
significance
Factions
• The main processes to elect a US
Invisible primary
president, including the constitutional
Political Action requirements, the invisible primary,
Committees (PACs) primaries and caucuses, the role of
National Party Conventions and the
Party system
electoral college, and the resulting
Policy group party system.
Professional group • The importance of incumbency on a
Single interest group president seeking a second term.
5.1.2 Campaign finance.
Soft/hard money
• The role of campaign finance and the
Super PACs
current legislation on campaign
Religious right finance, including McCain-Feingold
reforms 2002 and Citizens United vs
FEC 2010

5.2 The key ideas and principles of the

Democratic and Republican parties. (PA)
5.2.1 The distribution of power and
changing significance of the parties:
Democrats
• progressive attitude on social and
moral issues, including crime
• greater governmental intervention in
the national economy
• government provision of social
welfare

Republicans
• conservative attitude on social and
moral issues
• more restricted governmental
intervention in the national economy
while protecting American trade and
jobs
• acceptance of social welfare but a
preference for personal responsibility

5.2.2 The current conflicts and tendencies

and the changing power and influence that
exist within the parties
• Democrats: liberals, moderates and
conservatives
• Republicans: moderates, social
conservatives and fiscal
 US Democracy & Participation Subject Content Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

conservatives

5.2.3 Coalition of supporters for each

party (OS)
• Voters: how the following factors are
likely to influence voting patterns and
why, in relation to one recent
presidential election campaign (since
2000) – race, religion, gender and
education

5.3 Interest groups in the USA – (PA)

their significance, resources, tactics and
debates about their impact on democracy
• The influence, methods and power of at
least one single interest group,
professional group or policy group

5.4 Interpretations and debates (OS)

of US democracy and participation, including:
• advantages and disadvantages of the
electoral process and the Electoral
College and the debate around reform
• the role of campaign finance and
difficulty in achieving effective reform
• the role of incumbency in elections

• the ways in which interest groups can

influence the three branches of
government and policy creation,
including the role of PACs and Super
PACs and their impact on democracy
(PA)

AJE Tasks
Reading on Congressional Elections & referendums - pps 279-287
Note making: spider diagram on requirements for a Presidential candidate - pps 233-236
Reading to accompany AJE ppt notes on Invisible primary – pps 236-240
Reading to accompany AJE notes on primaries & caucuses – pps 240-253
Reading and noting articles on merits of primaries
Reading to accompany AJE notes on conventions – pps 253-261
Note making on campaign finance issues – pps261-265
Reading and exercise on General Election campaign: why Trump won? – pps 265-272

Note making on electoral college – pps273-278

Note making and analysis of voting behaviour – pps302-309
Essay – Evaluate the extent to which the process of selecting presidential candidates is deeply
flawed.
Essay – Evaluate the extent to which the Electoral College is an outdated institution.
Essay – Evaluate the extent to which gender, geographic region, and class and education played a
significant role in the way people voted in the 2016 presidential election.

AJE Key Reading: Pearson Edexcel Alevel Politics

Documentary on 2016 campaign
Politics Review Vol 24, No. 4, November 2015, Is the process for nominating presidential candidates
hopelessly flawed? N Whiskered & A J Bennett
Politics Review Vol 27, No. 2, November 2017, Is it now time to abolish the Electoral College? B
Clemson & A J Bennett

AJE Extension Reading:

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama video
Race of a Lifetime, John Heilemann & Mark Halperin, Penguin 2010
The Gamble: Choice and Chance in the 2012 Presidential Election, John Sides & Lynn Vavreck;
Princeton University Press 2013
Politics Review Vol 23, No. 2, November 2013, Should the Electoral College be replaced with a
National Popular Vote? J Whitton & A J Endersby
Politics Review Vol 22, No. 3, February 2013, Four more years: How did Obama do it? Clodagh
Harrington, Politics Review
Politics Review V Vol 22, No. 3, February 2013, US Election 2012 Results, Kay Moxon
Politics Review Vol 18, No. 1, September 2008, Update: Why Hilary Clinton lost the primary race,
Edward Ashbee

Sample Questions:
Spec 2 Q 3(b) Evaluate the view that campaign finance is the most significant factor in determining
the outcome of congressional elections.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2019 Paper Q3(b) Evaluate the effective working of the US Constitution depends more on interest
groups than the Supreme Court.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

2019 Paper Q3(c) Evaluate the procedures for electing US presidents and members of Congress are
not fit for purpose.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]
Component 3 US and Comparative Politics OS - 4 weeks & PA
Topic 6 - Comparative Politics
K

Comparative Approaches Students should gain knowledge & understanding

of:

1. Key Theoretical Approaches 6.2 Similarities and differences in the UK and

USA:
6.1 Theoretical approaches – understanding
of these three approaches and the different 6.2.1 Compare and debate the following
ways they explain similarities and differences aspects of the UK & US Constitutions
between the government and politics of and the resulting impact on politics and
different countries. government:
Rational • their nature (codified/uncodified) and
• This approach focuses on individuals their sources, provisions and
within a political system. principles, including separation of
• A rational approach suggests that such powers, checks and balances
individuals will act rationally, choosing • the similarities and differences
to act in a particular way as it will give between the US federal system and
them a beneficial outcome. the UK system of devolution

Cultural 6.2.2 The extent to which rational, cultural

and structural approaches can be used to
• This approach focuses on groups account for these similarities and
within a political system – this could differences.
be voters, parties, pressure groups
and so on.
• A cultural approach suggests that the 6.2.3 Compare and debate the following
shared ideas, beliefs and values of aspects of the UK & US legislative
these groups often determine the branches and their resulting impact on
actions of individuals within them. politics and government:
Structural • powers, strengths and weaknesses of
• This approach focuses on the each of the Houses
institutions in a political system and • the extent to which each of the
the processes within them. Houses are equal.
• A structural approach suggests that 6.2.4 The extent to which rational, cultural
political outcomes are largely and structural approaches can be used to
determined by the formal processes account for these similarities and
laid out within a political system. differences.

6.2.5 Compare and debate the following

aspects of the UK & US executive
branches and their resulting impact on
politics and government:
• key similarities and differences
between the role and powers of the
US President and the UK Prime
Minister and their impact on politics
and government
• extent of accountability to the US
and UK legislature
6.2.6 The extent to which rational, cultural
and structural approaches can be used to
account for these similarities and
differences.
 Comparative Approaches Students should gain knowledge & understanding
of:

6.2.7 Compare and debate the following

aspects of the UK & US Supreme Courts
and civil rights and their resulting impact
on politics and government:
• basis for and relative extent for their
powers
• relative independence of the
Supreme Court in the US and UK
• effectiveness of the protection of
rights in each country
• effectiveness of interest groups in the
protection of civil rights in the USA
and the UK
6.2.8 The extent to which rational, cultural
and structural approaches can be used to
account for these similarities and
differences.

6.2.9 Compare and debate the following

aspects of the UK & US democracy and
participation, and their resulting impact
on politics and government:
• the different nature of the party
systems (two-party and multi-party)
• degree of internal unity within parties
• the policy profiles of the two main
parties in each country
• debates around campaign finance
and party funding
• the relative power, methods and
influence of pressure groups.
6.2.10 The extent to which rational,
cultural and structural approaches can be
used to account for these similarities and
differences.

Key Reading:

Pearson Edexcel A level Politics

Sample Questions:
Spec 1 Q1 Examine the ways in which the US and the UK Constitutions are similar. [12]
(b) Examine the factors that create a two-party dominance both in the US and in the UK [12]

Spec 2 Q1 Examine the ways in which the US House of Representatives differs from the UK House of
Commons. [12]
 (b) Examine the ways in which US presidents and UK prime ministers may seek to influence
legislation. [12]

2019 (a)Examine how interest groups in the USA are more effective at protecting civil right than
pressure groups in the UK. [12]
(b) Examine how devolution in the UK differs from federalism in the USA. [12]

Spec 1 Q2 Analyse the differences in party unity in the US and in the UK.
In your answer you must consider the relevance of a least one comparative theory. [12]

Spec 2 Q2 Analyse how independent the Supreme Courts are in the USA and the UK.
In your answer you must consider the relevance of at least one comparative theory. [12]

2019 Q2 Analyse the different legislative powers of the UK Parliament and the US Congress.
In your answer you must consider the relevance of at least one comparative theory. [12]
2020 Examine the ways in which the roles of the US President and the UK PM are different. (12)
2020 Examine how the powers of the US Congress and the UK Parliament are limited in different
ways. (12)