Government and politics of the USA Study Guide

Week 1 – Constitutional Foundations

• Day 1–2: Read the Constitution’s preamble, articles, and amendments. Summarise key principles.
• Day 3: Create a mind‑map of federalism and the amendment process.
• Day 4: Compare the US Constitution with another constitution (e.g., UK). Note similarities and differences.
• Day 5: Write a short essay on the significance of the Constitution in contemporary politics.

Week 2 – Congress

• Day 1: Diagram the structure of the House and Senate. Highlight differences in representation.
• Day 2: Analyse the committee system; pick one committee and trace a recent piece of legislation.
• Day 3: Debate the relative strengths of the two chambers. Use recent budget negotiations as evidence.
• Day 4: Practice a mock debate on congressional oversight of the executive.
• Day 5: Answer past‑paper questions on congressional powers.

Week 3 – Presidency

• Day 1: List formal and informal powers. Provide two historical examples.
• Day 2: Map the constraints on presidential power (checks, public opinion, media).
• Day 3: Case study: Presidential crisis management (e.g., 9/11, COVID‑19). Evaluate effectiveness.
• Day 4: Role‑play: Draft a presidential executive order on a current issue.
• Day 5: Essay on the imperial vs. imperilled presidency debate.

Week 4 – Judiciary

• Day 1: Outline the selection process for Supreme Court justices.
• Day 2: Analyse two landmark cases and their societal impact.
• Day 3: Debate judicial review’s role in protecting rights.
• Day 4: Write a policy brief on a current Supreme Court controversy.
• Day 5: Practice questions on judicial power.

Week 5 – Elections & Parties

• Day 1: Diagram the electoral system and primary processes.
• Day 2: Analyse the Electoral College’s mechanics and controversies.
• Day 3: Compare Democratic and Republican ideologies; chart their evolution.
• Day 4: Case study: 2016 election – campaign finance, media, and voter behaviour.
• Day 5: Mock exam: short answer and essay questions.

Week 6 – Pressure Groups & Civil Rights

• Day 1: Classify pressure‑group typologies and methods.
• Day 2: Evaluate the influence of PACs and Super PACs.
• Day 3: Analyse a civil‑rights movement’s impact on policy.
• Day 4: Debate the power of pressure groups vs. parties.
• Day 5: Final practice paper covering all topics.

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Exam Practice Guidance

• Past Papers: Work through at least three full papers, timing yourself.
• Mark Schemes: Study the criteria for each question type; note common pitfalls.
• Peer Review: Exchange essays with classmates and give constructive feedback.
• Revision Sessions: Use spaced repetition flashcards for key terms and dates.
• Mock Exams: Simulate exam conditions (time, silence) to build stamina.