1. UK politics
1.1. Democracy & participation
1.1.1. Current democratic systems
1.1.1.1. Representative democracy
1.1.1.1.1. Advantages
1.1.1.1.2. Disadvantages
1.1.1.2. Direct democracy
1.1.1.2.1. Advantages
1.1.1.2.2. Disadvantages
1.1.1.3. The case for reform
1.1.1.4. Representative and direct systems
1.1.1.4.1. Similarities
1.1.1.4.2. Differences
1.1.2. Franchise
1.1.2.1. UK history of
1.1.2.1.1. 1832 GRA
1.1.2.1.2. 1918 RPA
1.1.2.1.3. 1928 RPA
1.1.2.1.4. 1969 RPA
1.1.2.2. Role of suffragists & suffragettes
1.1.2.3. Current calls for change
1.1.3. The role of pressure groups etc.
1.1.3.1. Methods used to exert influence
1.1.3.2. Case studies
1.1.3.3. Other collective organisations
1.1.3.3.1. Think tanks
1.1.3.3.2. Lobbyists
1.1.3.3.3. Corporations
1.1.4. Rights in context
1.1.4.1. History of
1.1.4.1.1. Magna Carta
1.1.4.1.2. HRA 1998
1.1.4.1.3. Equality Act 2010
1.1.4.2. UK's rights based culture
1.1.4.2.1. Conflict of individual and collective rights
1.1.4.2.2. Contribution of civil liberties pressure groups
1.1.5. Minimun Key Terminology
1.1.5.1. Legitimacy
1.1.5.2. Direct democracy
1.1.5.3. Representative democracy
1.1.5.4. Pluralist democracy
1.1.5.5. Democratic deficit
1.1.5.6. Participation crisis
1.1.5.7. Franchise / suffrage
1.1.5.8. Think tanks
1.1.5.9. Lobbyists
1.2. Political parties
1.2.1. UK
1.2.1.1. Functions and features
1.2.1.2. Funding
1.2.1.2.1. Method
1.2.1.2.2. Consequences of method
1.2.2. Established political parties in UK
1.2.2.1. Origins
1.2.2.2. How origins affect policies
1.2.2.2.1. Economy
1.2.2.2.2. Law and order
1.2.2.2.3. Welfare
1.2.2.2.4. Foreign affairs
1.2.3. Other political parties in UK
1.2.3.1. Emerging
1.2.3.2. Minor
1.2.4. Political parties in context
1.2.4.1. The development and implications of a multi-party system
1.2.4.2. Factors that affect party success (incl. influence of media)
1.2.4.2.1. Conservative
1.2.4.2.2. Labour
1.2.4.2.3. Liberal democrat
1.2.4.2.4. SNP
1.2.5. Minimun Key Terminology
1.2.5.1. Old Labour
1.2.5.2. Social democrat
1.2.5.3. New Labour
1.2.5.4. Third way
1.2.5.5. One Nation Tory
1.2.5.6. New Right
1.2.5.7. Classical liberal
1.2.5.8. Modern liberal
1.2.5.9. Party system
1.2.5.10. Left-wing
1.2.5.11. Right-wing
1.2.5.12. Centrist
1.3. Electoral systems
1.3.1. Different systems in use in the UK
1.3.1.1. FPTP
1.3.1.1.1. Advantages
1.3.1.1.2. Disadvantages
1.3.1.2. AMS
1.3.1.2.1. Advantages
1.3.1.2.2. Disadvantages
1.3.1.3. STV
1.3.1.3.1. Advantages
1.3.1.3.2. Disadvantages
1.3.1.4. SV
1.3.1.4.1. Advantages
1.3.1.4.2. Disadvantages
1.3.1.5. Compare FPTP with AMS
1.3.2. Referendums
1.3.2.1. How they have been used in the UK
1.3.2.2. Case for
1.3.2.3. Case against
1.3.3. Analysis of electoral systems
1.3.3.1. Impact of system
1.3.3.1.1. On nature and role of political parties
1.3.3.1.2. On type of government appointed
1.3.3.2. Debates on why specific systems are used in the UK
1.3.3.2.1. Scottish and Welsh parliament systems
1.3.3.2.2. Call for change
1.3.4. Minimun Key Terminology
1.3.4.1. FPTP
1.3.4.2. AMS
1.3.4.3. STV
1.3.4.4. SV
1.3.4.5. Safe seat
1.3.4.6. Marginal seat
1.3.4.7. Minority government
1.3.4.8. Coalition government
1.4. Voting behaviour & the media
1.4.1. 3 case studies
1.4.1.1. 1979
1.4.1.1.1. Result
1.4.1.1.2. Factors affecting results
1.4.1.1.3. Impact on parties
1.4.1.1.4. Impact on government
1.4.1.2. 1997
1.4.1.2.1. Result
1.4.1.2.2. Factors affecting results
1.4.1.2.3. Impact on parties
1.4.1.2.4. Impact on government
1.4.1.3. 2010
1.4.1.3.1. Result
1.4.1.3.2. Factors affecting results
1.4.1.3.3. Impact on parties
1.4.1.3.4. Impact on government
1.4.2. The influence of the media
1.4.2.1. Bias v persuasion
1.4.2.2. Relevance of opinion polls
1.4.2.3. During elections
1.4.2.4. Between elections
1.4.3. Minimun Key Terminology
1.4.3.1. Class dealignment
1.4.3.2. Partisan dealignment
1.4.3.3. Governing competency
1.4.3.4. Disillusion and apathy
1.4.3.5. Manifesto
1.4.3.6. Mandate
2. Political ideas
2.1. Core ideas
2.1.1. Liberalism
2.1.1.1. Minimun Key Terminology
2.1.1.1.1. Foundational equality
2.1.1.1.2. Formal equality
2.1.1.1.3. Equality of opportunity
2.1.1.1.4. Social contract
2.1.1.1.5. Meritocracy
2.1.1.1.6. Mechanistic theory
2.1.1.1.7. Tolerance
2.1.1.1.8. Limited government
2.1.1.1.9. Egotistical individualism
2.1.1.1.10. Developmental individualism
2.1.1.1.11. Negative freedom
2.1.1.1.12. Positive freedom
2.1.1.1.13. Laissez-faire capitalism
2.1.1.1.14. Keynesianism
2.1.1.1.15. Harm principle
2.1.1.1.16. Minimal state
2.1.1.1.17. Enabling state
2.1.2. Conservatism
2.1.2.1. Core Ideas and Principles
2.1.2.1.1. Origins
2.1.2.1.2. Human nature
2.1.2.1.3. Society
2.1.2.1.4. The state
2.1.2.1.5. The economy
2.1.2.2. Types
2.1.2.2.1. Traditional Conservatism
2.1.2.2.2. Christian Democracy
2.1.2.2.3. New Right Conservatism
2.1.2.3. Key thinkers
2.1.2.3.1. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
2.1.2.3.2. Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
2.1.2.3.3. Michael Oakeshott (1901–1990)
2.1.2.3.4. Ayn Rand (1905–1982)
2.1.2.3.5. Robert Nozick (1938–2002)
2.1.2.4. Articles and videos
2.1.2.5. Minimum Key Terminology
2.1.2.5.1. Hierarchy
2.1.2.5.2. Authority
2.1.2.5.3. Change to conserve
2.1.2.5.4. Atomism
2.1.2.5.5. Noblesse oblige
2.1.2.5.6. Anti-permissiveness
2.1.2.5.7. Radical
2.1.2.5.8. Human imperfection
2.1.2.5.9. Laissez-faire
2.1.2.5.10. Empricism
2.1.2.6. Debates
2.1.2.6.1. Is conservatism ‘ruling-class ideology’?
2.1.2.6.2. Is conservatism merely the politics of pragmatism?
2.1.2.6.3. Is conservatism compatible with capitalism?
2.1.2.6.4. Can conservatism and socialism ever be compatible?
2.1.2.6.5. Is Brexit compatible with conservatism?
2.1.3. Socialism
2.1.3.1. Core Ideas and Priciples
2.1.3.1.1. Introduction
2.1.3.1.2. Origins
2.1.3.1.3. Core beliefs
2.1.3.1.4. Human Nature
2.1.3.1.5. Society
2.1.3.1.6. Economy
2.1.3.1.7. The state
2.1.3.2. Key thinkers
2.1.3.2.1. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels - Dialectical materialism
2.1.3.2.2. Rosa Luxemburg - Spontaneous revolution
2.1.3.2.3. Beatrice Webb - Inevitability of gradualism
2.1.3.2.4. Anthony Crosland - Keynesian economics
2.1.3.2.5. Anthony Giddens - The third way
2.1.3.3. Types
2.1.3.3.1. Fundamentalist
2.1.3.3.2. Revisionist
2.1.3.4. Articles and Videos
2.1.3.4.1. Quotes
2.1.3.4.2. What is it? (4 mins)
2.1.3.4.3. Socialism: a very brief history (3 mins)
2.1.3.4.4. Communism v Socialism (4 mins)
2.1.3.4.5. Socialism in the USA (26 mins)
2.1.3.4.6. Guardian article: Socialism with a spine
2.1.3.4.7. The Economist article: The rise of socialism
2.1.3.4.8. Marx
2.1.3.4.9. Eurocommunism
2.1.3.4.10. Guardian article: Aspirational socialism
2.1.3.4.11. Guardian articles on "socialism"
2.1.3.4.12. Keir Starmer on socialism
2.1.3.4.13. Grace Blakeley article: The fight for socialism
2.1.3.5. Minimun Key Terminology
2.1.3.5.1. Fraternity
2.1.3.5.2. Cooperation
2.1.3.5.3. Capitalism
2.1.3.5.4. Common ownership
2.1.3.5.5. Communism
2.1.3.5.6. Evolutionary socialism
2.1.3.5.7. Marxism
2.1.3.5.8. Revolutionism
2.1.3.5.9. Social justice
2.1.3.5.10. Class consciousness
2.1.3.5.11. Historical materialism
2.1.3.5.12. Dialectic
2.1.3.5.13. Keynesian economics
2.1.3.6. Debates
2.1.3.6.1. Is Marxism redundant?
2.1.3.6.2. Must socialism involve the abolition of private property and capitalism?
2.1.3.6.3. Does socialism require revolutionary change?
2.1.3.6.4. Are socialism and liberalism compatible with each other?
2.2. Non-core political ideas
2.2.1. Feminism
2.2.2. Anarchism
2.2.3. Ecologism
2.2.4. Multiculturalism
2.2.5. Nationalism
3. UK government
3.1. The constitution
3.1.1. Nature and sources
3.1.1.1. Development through key documents
3.1.1.1.1. Magna Carta (1215)
3.1.1.1.2. Bill of Rights (1689
3.1.1.1.3. Act of Settlement (1701)
3.1.1.1.4. Acts of Union (1707)
3.1.1.1.5. Parliament Act (1911)
3.1.1.1.6. Parliament Act (1949)
3.1.1.1.7. European Communities Act (1972)
3.1.1.2. Nature of
3.1.1.2.1. Unentrenched
3.1.1.2.2. Uncodified
3.1.1.2.3. Unitary
3.1.1.2.4. The "twin pillars"
3.1.1.3. Main sources of
3.1.1.3.1. Statute law
3.1.1.3.2. Common law
3.1.1.3.3. Conventions
3.1.1.3.4. Authoritative works
3.1.1.3.5. Treaties
3.1.2. Changes since 1997
3.1.2.1. New Labour (1997-2010)
3.1.2.1.1. House of Lords reform
3.1.2.1.2. Electoral reform
3.1.2.1.3. Devolution
3.1.2.1.4. HRA (1998)
3.1.2.1.5. Supreme Court
3.1.2.2. Coalition (2010-2015)
3.1.2.2.1. Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)
3.1.2.2.2. Further Welsh devolution
3.1.2.3. Post-2015
3.1.2.3.1. Scottish referendum
3.1.3. Devolution
3.1.3.1. Where
3.1.3.1.1. England
3.1.3.1.2. Scotland
3.1.3.1.3. Wales
3.1.3.1.4. Northern Ireland
3.1.3.2. Wider impact of devolution on UK
3.1.4. Debates on further reform
3.1.4.1. Should the referendums since 1997 be taken further?
3.1.4.1.1. EU
3.1.4.1.2. Voting system
3.1.4.1.3. Devolution of power
3.1.4.2. English national devolution
3.1.4.3. Constitutional change
3.1.4.3.1. Entrenched
3.1.4.3.2. Codified
3.1.4.3.3. Bill of Rights
3.1.5. Minimun Key Terminology
3.1.5.1. Constitution
3.1.5.2. Unentrenched
3.1.5.3. Uncodified
3.1.5.4. Unitary v Federal
3.1.5.5. Parliamentary sovereignty
3.1.5.6. The rule of law
3.1.5.7. Common law
3.1.5.8. Statute law
3.1.5.9. Conventions
3.1.5.10. Authoritative works
3.1.5.11. Treaties
3.1.5.12. Devolution
3.2. Parliament
3.2.1. Structure and role
3.2.1.1. Commons
3.2.1.1.1. Selection of members
3.2.1.1.2. Main functions
3.2.1.1.3. Extent to which functions are fulfilled
3.2.1.2. Lords
3.2.1.2.1. Selection of members
3.2.1.2.2. Main functions
3.2.1.2.3. Extent to which functions are fulfilled
3.2.2. Compative powers
3.2.2.1. Exclusive powers of Commons
3.2.2.2. Main powers of Lords
3.2.2.3. Debates around relative power of the 2 houses
3.2.3. Legislative process
3.2.3.1. Stages of a bill
3.2.3.2. Interaction of 2 houses during legislative process
3.2.3.2.1. Salisbury Convention
3.2.4. Interaction of Parliament and Executive
3.2.4.1. Role of backbenchers in both houses
3.2.4.1.1. Importance of parliamentary privilege
3.2.4.2. Role of select committees
3.2.4.3. Role of the opposition
3.2.4.4. Ministerial question times
3.2.4.4.1. Nature
3.2.4.4.2. Purpose
3.2.5. Minimun Key Terminology
3.2.5.1. Parliament
3.2.5.2. House of Commons
3.2.5.3. House of Lords
3.2.5.4. Confidence and supply
3.2.5.5. Salisbury Convention
3.2.5.6. Parliamentary privilege
3.2.5.7. Public bill committees
3.2.5.8. Backbenchers
3.2.5.9. Select committees
3.2.5.10. Opposition
3.3. PM & the executive
3.3.1. Executive
3.3.1.1. Structure
3.3.1.1.1. PM
3.3.1.1.2. Cabinet
3.3.1.1.3. Junior ministers
3.3.1.1.4. Government departments
3.3.1.2. Roles
3.3.1.2.1. Proposing legislation
3.3.1.2.2. Proposing a budget
3.3.1.2.3. Policy decisions
3.3.1.3. Powers
3.3.1.3.1. Royal Prerogative
3.3.1.3.2. Initiation of legislation
3.3.1.3.3. Secondary legislation power
3.3.2. Ministerial responsibility
3.3.2.1. Individual
3.3.2.2. Collective
3.3.3. PM and the Cabinet
3.3.3.1. Internal
3.3.3.1.1. Factors determining PM's selection of Cabinet
3.3.3.1.2. Relationship between
3.3.3.2. External
3.3.3.2.1. Power to dictate events
3.3.3.2.2. Power to determine policy
3.3.3.2.3. Case study: One PM 45 to 97
3.3.3.2.4. Case study: One post-97 PM
3.3.4. Minimun Key Terminology
3.3.4.1. Executive
3.3.4.2. Cabinet
3.3.4.3. Minister
3.3.4.4. Government department
3.3.4.5. Royal prerogative
3.3.4.6. Secondary legislation
3.3.4.7. Individual ministerial responsibility
3.3.4.8. Collective ministerial responsibility
3.3.4.9. Presidential government
3.4. Relations between the branches
3.4.1. Supreme Court
3.4.1.1. Role
3.4.1.2. Composition
3.4.1.2.1. 12 judges
3.4.1.2.2. Appointment by Queen on recommendation of independent panel
3.4.1.2.3. Minimum experience
3.4.1.3. Key principles
3.4.1.3.1. Judicial neutrality
3.4.1.3.2. Judicial independence
3.4.1.4. Ability to influence
3.4.1.4.1. Executive
3.4.1.4.2. Parliament
3.4.2. Executive and Parliament
3.4.2.1. Holding the Executive to account
3.4.2.1.1. Influence of Parliament
3.4.2.1.2. Effectiveness of Parliament
3.4.2.2. Dominating the Executive
3.4.2.2.1. Influence of Parliament
3.4.2.2.2. Effectiveness of Parliament
3.4.2.3. Balance of power between Executive and Parliament
3.4.2.3.1. Current
3.4.2.3.2. Trends
3.4.2.3.3. Reasons for shifts
3.4.3. EU and UK government
3.4.3.1. Aims of the EU
3.4.3.1.1. 4 freedoms
3.4.3.1.2. Single market
3.4.3.1.3. Social policy
3.4.3.1.4. Political and economic union
3.4.3.2. Extent to which the EU's aims have been achieved
3.4.3.3. Role of the EU in policy making
3.4.3.4. Impact of the EU on UK political system and policy making
3.4.3.4.1. Policy 1
3.4.3.4.2. Policy 2
3.4.4. Location of sovereignty in UK system
3.4.4.1. Definition of sovereignty
3.4.4.1.1. Legal
3.4.4.1.2. Political
3.4.4.2. Location within different branches
3.4.4.3. Movement between different branches
3.4.5. Minimun Key Terminology
3.4.5.1. Supremr Court
3.4.5.2. Judicial neutrality
3.4.5.3. Judicial independence
3.4.5.4. Judicial review
3.4.5.5. Elective dictatorship
3.4.5.6. European union
3.4.5.7. The four freedoms of the EU
3.4.5.8. Legal sovereignty
3.4.5.9. Political sovereignty
3.4.5.10. Ultra vires
4. Government & politics of the USA
4.1. The US constitution & federalism
4.1.1. Nature of Constitution
4.1.1.1. Vagueness
4.1.1.2. Codification
4.1.1.3. Entrenchment
4.1.1.4. Framework - power allocation between branches
4.1.1.5. Amendment process
4.1.1.5.1. Mechanism
4.1.1.5.2. Examples / reality
4.1.1.5.3. Pros
4.1.1.5.4. Cons
4.1.2. Key features/principles of Constitution
4.1.2.1. Federalism
4.1.2.2. Separation of powers + checks and balances
4.1.2.3. Bipartisanship
4.1.2.4. Limited government
4.1.2.5. Evaluation of the 4 key features/principles today
4.1.3. Main features of federalism
4.1.3.1. Nature of the federal system
4.1.3.2. Relationship between federal and state governments
4.1.4. Debates
4.1.4.1. Extent of democracy within the Constitution
4.1.4.2. Influence of Constitution on government
4.1.4.3. Strengths and weaknesses of Constitution
4.1.4.4. Extent to which federalism exists today
4.1.5. Minimum Key Terminology
4.1.5.1. Bipartisanship
4.1.5.2. Checks and balances
4.1.5.3. Codification
4.1.5.4. Constitution
4.1.5.5. Entrenchment
4.1.5.6. Enumerated powers
4.1.5.7. Implied powers
4.1.5.8. Federalism
4.1.5.9. Federal government
4.1.5.10. Limited government
4.1.5.11. Principle
4.1.5.12. Separation of powers
4.1.5.13. Natural rights
4.1.5.14. Presidential government
4.1.5.15. Impeachment
4.1.5.16. State of the Union address
4.2. Congress
4.2.1. Structure
4.2.1.1. Bicamarel
4.2.1.1.1. House of Representatives
4.2.1.1.2. Senate
4.2.1.2. Distribution of power
4.2.1.2.1. House only
4.2.1.2.2. Senate only
4.2.1.2.3. Concurrent
4.2.2. Functions
4.2.2.1. Representation
4.2.2.1.1. Significance of incumbency
4.2.2.1.2. Factors affecting voting behaviour
4.2.2.2. Legislation
4.2.2.2.1. Process
4.2.2.2.2. Impact and effectiveness to policy
4.2.2.3. Oversight
4.2.2.3.1. Of presidential action
4.2.2.3.2. Effectiveness of checks on other branches
4.2.3. Debates
4.2.3.1. Adequacy of representative role
4.2.3.2. Relative role of Congress
4.2.3.3. Changing significance of parties
4.2.3.4. Significance and effectiveness of powers outlined in the Constitution
4.2.4. Minimum Key Terminology
4.2.4.1. Bicamarel
4.2.4.2. Cloture motion
4.2.4.3. Congressional caucuses
4.2.4.4. Commerce clause
4.2.4.5. Divided government
4.2.4.6. Unified government
4.2.4.7. Filibuster
4.2.4.8. Gridlock
4.2.4.9. Incumbency
4.2.4.10. Imperial presidency
4.2.4.11. Majority-minority district
4.2.4.12. Mid-term elections
4.2.4.13. Oversight
4.2.4.14. Partisanship
4.2.4.15. Pocket veto
4.2.4.16. Pork barrel politics
4.2.4.17. Subpoeana
4.2.4.18. Unanimous consent
4.2.5. Cornell Questions
4.2.5.1. 2.1 The structure of Congress
4.2.5.1.1. Congress is "bicameral" - what does this mean?
4.2.5.1.2. How is the Senate structured?
4.2.5.1.3. What is the election cycle for the Senate?
4.2.5.1.4. How is the House (of Representatives) structured?
4.2.5.1.5. What is the election cycle for the House?
4.2.5.1.6. What powers are given to the Senate by The Constitution?
4.2.5.1.7. What powers are given to the House by The Constitution?
4.2.5.2. 2.2 The functions of Congress
4.2.5.2.1. What is the representation function of Congress?
4.2.5.2.2. What are mid-term elections and why are they considered so important?
4.2.5.2.3. What is meant by "the significance of incumbency"?
4.2.5.2.4. Which factors affect the voting behaviour of representatives in Congress?
4.2.5.2.5. How does Congress create laws?
4.2.5.2.6. How do the House and Senate differ in relation to legislation creation?
4.2.5.2.7. What are the strengths of the US legislative process?
4.2.5.2.8. What are the weaknesses of the US legislative process?
4.2.5.2.9. How effective is Congress at passing bills and intiating policy?
4.2.5.2.10. What factors limit the impact Congress can have?
4.2.5.2.11. What is meant by the "oversight" role of Congress?
4.2.5.2.12. What are the main congressional checks on the executive branch?
4.2.5.2.13. How does (non-Constitutional) oversight via committees work, and is it effective?
4.2.5.2.14. What factors influence the relationship between Congress and the president?
4.2.5.2.15. Popularity - president/Congress/policy
4.2.5.2.16. How does Congress limit the power of the Supreme Court?
4.2.5.3. 2.3 Interpretations and debates
4.2.5.3.1. To what extent does partisanship exist?
4.2.5.3.2. What are the implications of partisanship?
4.2.5.3.3. How have the powers of Congress changed in the past century or so?
4.2.5.3.4. What is the difference between the "delegate" and "trustee" models of representation?
4.2.5.3.5. Which factors suggest that Congress effectively fulfils it's representative role?
4.2.5.3.6. Which factors suggest that Congress fails to effectively fulfil it's representative role?
4.3. The presidency
4.3.1. What are the president's formal sources of power?
4.3.1.1. What does it mean to be "Head of State" in the US?
4.3.1.2. What does it mean to be "Head of Government" in the US?
4.3.1.3. How have president's used their formal power?
4.3.1.3.1. Clinton
4.3.1.3.2. Bush
4.3.1.3.3. Obama
4.3.1.3.4. Trump
4.3.2. What are the informal sources of presidential power?
4.3.2.1. How is the "electoral mandate" a source of presidential power?
4.3.2.2. How can "executive orders" be used as a source of presidential power?
4.3.2.3. How can "national events" be a source of presidential power?
4.3.2.4. How can the president use cabinet appointments as a source of power?
4.3.2.5. How can the president use the "power of persuasion"?
4.3.2.6. What is the EXOP and why is it a source of presidential power?
4.3.2.6.1. What is the NSC?
4.3.2.6.2. What is the OMB?
4.3.2.6.3. What is the WHO?
4.3.2.7. How have presidents used their informal power?
4.3.2.7.1. Clinton
4.3.2.7.2. Bush
4.3.2.7.3. Obama
4.3.2.7.4. Trump
4.3.3. How have the past 4 presidents performed?
4.3.3.1. What have relationships with Supreme Court been like?
4.3.3.1.1. Clinton
4.3.3.1.2. Bush
4.3.3.1.3. Obama
4.3.3.1.4. Trump
4.3.3.2. What have relationships with Congress been like?
4.3.3.2.1. Clinton
4.3.3.2.2. Bush
4.3.3.2.3. Obama
4.3.3.2.4. Trump
4.3.3.3. Have they suffered limitations to their power?
4.3.3.3.1. Variations within term
4.3.3.3.2. Variations between terms
4.3.3.3.3. Congress
4.3.3.3.4. Supreme Court
4.3.3.3.5. Constitution
4.3.3.3.6. The election cycle
4.3.3.3.7. Divided government
4.3.4. Debates
4.3.4.1. How effectively have presidential goals been achieved?
4.3.4.1.1. Clinton
4.3.4.1.2. Bush
4.3.4.1.3. Obama
4.3.4.1.4. Trump
4.3.4.2. Was the "imperial" or "imperilled" presidency been an issue?
4.3.4.2.1. Clinton
4.3.4.2.2. Bush
4.3.4.2.3. Obama
4.3.4.2.4. Trump
4.3.4.3. To what extent was accountability to Congress been an issue?
4.3.4.3.1. Clinton
4.3.4.3.2. Bush
4.3.4.3.3. Obama
4.3.4.3.4. Trump
4.3.4.4. What role in, and power over, foreign policy did the president have?
4.3.4.4.1. Clinton
4.3.4.4.2. Bush
4.3.4.4.3. Obama
4.3.4.4.4. Trump
4.3.5. Minimum Key Terminology
4.3.5.1. Domestic politics
4.3.5.2. Recess appointments
4.3.5.3. Electoral mandate
4.3.5.4. Executive branch
4.3.5.5. Executive orders
4.3.5.6. Imperial presidency
4.3.5.7. Imperilled presidency
4.3.5.8. Informal powers
4.3.5.9. Power of persuasion
4.3.5.10. Unified government
4.3.5.11. EXOP (Executive Office of the President)
4.3.5.12. NSC (National Security Council)
4.3.5.13. OMB (Office of Management and Budget)
4.3.5.14. WHO (White House Office)
4.3.5.15. Pardon
4.3.5.16. Commutation
4.3.5.17. State of the Union address
4.3.6. Cornell Questions
4.3.6.1. 3.1 Formal sources of presidential power as outlined in the US Constitution and their use
4.3.6.1.1. What is meant by "formal sources of power"?
4.3.6.1.2. What formal power does the president have as head of state?
4.3.6.1.3. What formal power does the president have as head of the government?
4.3.6.2. 3.2 Informal sources of presidential power and their use
4.3.6.2.1. What is meant by "informal sources of power"?
4.3.6.2.2. What does "electoral mandate" mean and how does it confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.3. What are "executive orders" and how do they confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.4. What does "national events" mean and how does it confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.5. What is the "cabinet" and and how does this confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.6. What does "the power of persuasion" mean and how does it confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.7. What is the "EXOP" and and how does this confer informal power on a president?
4.3.6.2.8. Within EXOP, what is the NSC and what does it do?
4.3.6.2.9. Within EXOP, what is the OMB and what does it do?
4.3.6.2.10. Within EXOP, what is the WHO and what does it do?
4.3.6.3. 3.3 The presidency
4.3.6.3.1. Why is the relationship between the president and congress so important?
4.3.6.3.2. How does the separation of powers (in relation to Congress) restrict presidential power?
4.3.6.3.3. Does the president or Congress have more power to set the political agenda and shape legislation?
4.3.6.3.4. What is the relationship between the presidency and the Supreme Court?
4.3.6.3.5. What are the 4 key factors that can change the nature of presidential power over their term in office?
4.3.6.3.6. How does the Supreme Court provide a check against presidential power?
4.3.6.3.7. Is it possible to affect the check on his power from the Supreme Court?
4.3.6.3.8. What are mid-term elections and how can they affect presidential power and behaviour?
4.3.6.3.9. What is meant by the term "lame duck president" and how this affect presidential power and behaviour?
4.3.6.4. 3.4 Interpretations and debates of the US presidency
4.3.6.4.1. How can the separation of powers and checks and balances affect the ability of a president to achieve thier aims?
4.3.6.4.2. How has the rise of hyperpartisanship affected the ability of presidents to achieve thier aims?
4.3.6.4.3. Do presidents find it easier to achieve thier domestic or foreign policy aims, and why?
4.3.6.4.4. What is meant by the term "imperial presidency"?
4.3.6.4.5. What were the key policy aims of Bill Clinton, and to what extent did he achieve them?
4.3.6.4.6. What were the key policy aims of George W Bush, and to what extent did he achieve them?
4.3.6.4.7. What were the key policy aims of Barak Obama, and to what extent did he achieve them?
4.3.6.4.8. List the 4 tools in the imperial presidency toolkit.
4.3.6.4.9. What are executive orders and how powerful and well used are they?
4.3.6.4.10. What are signing statements orders and how powerful and well used are they?
4.3.6.4.11. What are executive agreements and how powerful and well used are they?
4.3.6.4.12. What are unilateral war powers and how powerful and well used are they?
4.3.6.4.13. What is meant by the term "imperilled presidency"?
4.3.6.4.14. From the standpoint of The Constitution, what are the presidential advantages and limits when it comes to foreign policy?
4.3.6.4.15. From a political standpoint, what are the presidential advantages and limits when it comes to foreign policy?
4.3.6.4.16. From a practical standpoint, what are the presidential advantages and limits when it comes to foreign policy?
4.4. The Supreme Court & civil rights
4.4.1. Nature and role
4.4.1.1. Constitutional background
4.4.1.2. Independence of
4.4.1.3. Judicial review
4.4.1.3.1. Defined
4.4.1.3.2. Marbury v Madison (1803)
4.4.1.3.3. Fletcher v Peck (1810)
4.4.1.3.4. Importance of
4.4.2. Appointment process
4.4.2.1. Defined
4.4.2.2. Strengths
4.4.2.3. Weaknesses
4.4.2.4. Factors influencing presidential nomination
4.4.2.5. Current composition
4.4.2.5.1. Gender
4.4.2.5.2. Age
4.4.2.5.3. Length of tenure
4.4.2.5.4. Ideological balance
4.4.3. Role in public policy
4.4.3.1. Real world impact
4.4.3.1.1. Including some post-2005
4.4.3.2. Judicial activism
4.4.3.2.1. Defined
4.4.3.2.2. Role of
4.4.3.2.3. Debate around
4.4.3.3. Judicial restraint
4.4.3.3.1. Defined
4.4.3.3.2. Role of
4.4.3.3.3. Debate around
4.4.4. Protection of rights and civil liberties
4.4.4.1. Rights under Constitution
4.4.4.2. Rights under Bill of Rights
4.4.4.3. Rights under subsequent amendments
4.4.4.4. Rights under USSC rulings
4.4.5. Current issues relating to race
4.4.5.1. Methods of gaining rights
4.4.5.2. Influence of rights gained
4.4.5.3. Effectiveness of rights gained
4.4.5.4. Impact on current domestic policy
4.4.5.4.1. Voting rights
4.4.5.4.2. Affirmative action
4.4.5.4.3. Representation
4.4.6. Debates
4.4.6.1. Political v judicial nature of USSC
4.4.6.2. Living Constitutionists v Originalists
4.4.6.3. Effectiveness of USSC at upholding civil and constitutional rights
4.4.6.4. Extent of powers and effectiveness of checks and balances against USSC
4.4.6.5. Effectiveness of measures to promote equality
4.4.6.5.1. Affirmative action
4.4.6.5.2. Immigration reform
4.4.7. Minimum Key Terminology
4.4.7.1. Conservative justice
4.4.7.2. Imperial judiciary
4.4.7.3. Judicial activism
4.4.7.4. Judicial restraint
4.4.7.5. Judicial review
4.4.7.6. Liberal justice
4.4.7.7. Living Constitution
4.4.7.8. Originalism
4.4.7.9. Public policy
4.4.7.10. Stare decisis
4.4.7.11. Strict/loose constructionist
4.4.7.12. Swing Justice
4.4.7.13. Constitutional rights
4.4.7.14. Racial equality
4.4.7.15. Affirmative action
4.5. Democracy and participation
4.5.1. Presidential elections
4.5.1.1. Process
4.5.1.1.1. Constitutional requirements
4.5.1.1.2. Invisible primary
4.5.1.1.3. Primaries and caucuses
4.5.1.1.4. National party conventions
4.5.1.1.5. Electoral college
4.5.1.2. Party system resulting from the process
4.5.1.3. Importance of incumbency
4.5.1.4. Role of campaign finance
4.5.1.4.1. Legislation
4.5.2. The main parties
4.5.2.1. Democratic
4.5.2.1.1. Progressive on social and moral issues
4.5.2.1.2. Greater government intervention
4.5.2.1.3. More social welfare
4.5.2.2. Republican
4.5.2.2.1. Conservative attitude on social and moral issues
4.5.2.2.2. Free markets
4.5.2.2.3. Nationalistic
4.5.2.2.4. Personal responsibility preferred over social welfare
4.5.2.3. Distribution of power between
4.5.2.4. Changing significance of
4.5.2.5. Current conflicts within
4.5.2.5.1. Democrats
4.5.2.5.2. Republicans
4.5.3. Interest groups
4.5.3.1. Examples
4.5.3.2. Significance
4.5.3.3. Resources
4.5.3.4. Tactics
4.5.3.5. Impact on democracy
4.5.3.6. Case study
4.5.3.6.1. NRA?
4.5.4. Debates
4.5.4.1. Electoral reform
4.5.4.1.1. Electoral college in presidential elections
4.5.4.1.2. 2 senators per state
4.5.4.2. Role of campaign finance
4.5.4.3. Role of incumbency
4.5.4.4. Role of interest groups in democracy
4.5.4.4.1. PACs and Super PACs
4.5.5. Minimun Key Terminology
4.5.5.1. Campaign finance
4.5.5.2. Factions
4.5.5.3. Invisible primary
4.5.5.4. Political Action Committees (PACs)
4.5.5.5. Super PACs
4.5.5.6. Party system
4.5.5.7. Policy interest group
4.5.5.8. Professional interest group
4.5.5.9. Single interest group
4.5.5.10. Soft/hard money
4.5.5.11. Religious right
4.5.6. Cornell Questions
4.5.6.1. 5.1 Electoral systems in the USA
4.5.6.1.1. Who are the "Founding Fathers"?
4.5.6.1.2. Why did the Founding Fathers create the electoral system the way they did?
4.5.6.1.3. What are the basics of US government elections (Congress, Senate and president)?
4.5.6.1.4. What are primaries and caucuses and how do they differ?
4.5.6.1.5. What are the advantages of the US system of primaries and caucuses?
4.5.6.1.6. What are the disadvantages of the US system of primaries and caucuses?
4.5.6.1.7. What is the invisible primary and is it important?
4.5.6.1.8. What are the party conventions and do they play an important role?
4.5.6.1.9. What is the electoral college and how does it work?
4.5.6.1.10. How does the "party system" work in the US?
4.5.6.1.11. What are third parties and how can they affect presidential elections?
4.5.6.1.12. What is meant by incumbency and is it important?
4.5.6.1.13. How does campaign finance work in the US and why is it controversial?
4.5.6.1.14. What was the Federal Election Campaign Act (1974) and was it effective?
4.5.6.1.15. What are PACs and Super PACs?
4.5.6.2. 5.2 Key ideas and principles of the Democratic and Republican Parties
4.5.6.2.1. What is the stance of the 2 parties on social and moral issues?
4.5.6.2.2. What is the stance of the 2 parties on economic policy?
4.5.6.2.3. What is the stance of the 2 parties on the provision of welfare?
4.5.6.2.4. What are the current conflicts and tendencies within the Democratic Party?
4.5.6.2.5. What are the current conflicts and tendencies within the Republican Party?
4.5.6.2.6. When parties are described as a "coalition of supporters", what does this mean in reality (race, religion, gender, education) for the 2 parties?
4.5.6.3. 5.3 Interest groups in the USA
4.5.6.3.1. What is meant by "interest group" in the US and what are some examples of the different types?
4.5.6.3.2. Why are interest groups arguably so significant in US politics?
4.5.6.3.3. Which factors affect the level of influence of an interest group in the US?
4.5.6.3.4. What are the 5 tactics commonly adopted by US interest groups?
4.5.6.3.5. How do interest groups affext the 3 branches of government in the US: president, Congress, Supreme Court?
4.5.6.3.6. What are the 3 main arguments for interest groups enhancing US democracy?
4.5.6.3.7. What are the 3 main arguments against interest groups enhancing US democracy?
4.5.6.4. 5.4 Interpretations and debates surrounding US democracy and participation
4.5.6.4.1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the electoral college?
4.6. Comparative approaches
4.6.1. Theoretical approaches
4.6.1.1. Rational
4.6.1.1.1. Focusses on individuals
4.6.1.1.2. Rational behaviour seen to be determined by whatever maximises individual benefit
4.6.1.2. Cultural
4.6.1.2.1. Focusses on groups
4.6.1.2.2. Behaviour determined by shared ideas, beliefs and values
4.6.1.3. Structural
4.6.1.3.1. Focusses on institutions and the processes within them
4.6.1.3.2. Behaviour determined by outcomes
4.6.2. Similarities and differences of UK v USA
4.6.2.1. Constitutions
4.6.2.1.1. Cofified v uncodified
4.6.2.1.2. Sources
4.6.2.1.3. Provisions and principles
4.6.2.1.4. Extent to which the 3 approaches can account for the above
4.6.2.2. Legislative branch
4.6.2.2.1. Powers, strengths and weaknesses of each House
4.6.2.2.2. Extent of equality between Houses
4.6.2.2.3. Extent to which the 3 approaches can account for the above
4.6.2.3. Head of government
4.6.2.3.1. Role, powers and impact of PM v president
4.6.2.3.2. Extent of accountability to legislature of PM v president
4.6.2.3.3. Extent to which the 3 approaches can account for the above
4.6.2.4. Supreme court
4.6.2.4.1. Basis for, and extent of, powers
4.6.2.4.2. Relative independence
4.6.2.4.3. Effectiveness in protecting rights
4.6.2.4.4. Role of pressure/interest groups in protecting rights
4.6.2.4.5. Extent to which the 3 approaches can account for the above
4.6.2.5. Party system
4.6.2.5.1. Degree of internal party unity
4.6.2.5.2. Policy profiles of major parties
4.6.2.5.3. Party funding
4.6.2.5.4. Campaign finance
4.6.2.5.5. Role, methods, power and degree of influence of pressure/interest groups
4.6.2.5.6. Extent to which the 3 approaches can account for the above
4.6.3. Debates
5. Key documents
5.1. Specification
5.2. Exam structure in brief
5.3. Past Papers
5.3.1. Paper 1
5.3.1.1. Sample 1
5.3.1.2. 2019
5.3.2. Paper 2
5.3.2.1. Sample 1
5.3.2.2. 2019
5.3.3. Paper 3
5.3.3.1. Sample 1
5.3.3.2. 2019