US government and politics explores how American democracy really works,... Show more
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Complete Edexcel A Level Politics: US Government & Politics Notes
sophie
@sophiefreyaa
1 / 10
Course Overview and US Democracy Foundations
This politics course covers three essential areas you need to master: electoral systems (especially presidential elections and campaign finance), the key ideas of Democratic and Republican parties, and how interest groups shape American democracy.
The founding fathers deliberately designed a system that limited direct democracy because they feared "uneducated masses" making poor decisions. Only the House of Representatives gets directly elected by voters - senators were originally appointed by state governments, and presidential elections use an indirect system where you're really voting for people who then choose the president.
The structure reflects this cautious approach to democracy. The Senate represents states equally (two senators each) with 6-year terms, whilst the House of Representatives is based on population with 435 members serving 2-year terms to stay closer to public opinion.
Quick Tip: Remember that the Senate tries impeachment cases and confirms nominations, whilst the House starts impeachment proceedings and all revenue bills.
Presidential Elections: The Invisible Primary and Primaries
Presidential campaigns actually start years before you see them on the news. The "invisible primary" begins in winter of the year before the election, where candidates spend most of their time raising funds and proving they're presidential material. In 2015, Republicans had 17 candidates competing at this stage!
Primaries and caucuses (January to June) let party members choose their candidate through public votes. Each state has different rules - some allow anyone to vote (open primary), others only registered party members (closed primary), and caucus states hold public debates before voting by literally standing in groups.
"Super Tuesday" happens in early February when multiple states hold primaries simultaneously, and "front loading" means states keep moving their primaries earlier to gain more influence. Republicans use winner-takes-all systems, making these contests particularly intense.
Reality Check: The system raises important issues and tests candidates thoroughly, but it's confusing, expensive, and gives early states unfair influence over later ones.
VP Selection, Conventions, and the Electoral College
Choosing a vice president involves creating a "balanced ticket" - pairing candidates who appeal to different voter groups (like Biden and Harris). VPs need governmental potential, help with party unity, and increase representation within the party.
National conventions happen every four years where each party officially selects their presidential and VP candidates and writes their party platform (essentially their manifesto). These used to be dramatic affairs, but now they're mostly ceremonial since primaries decide everything - there hasn't been a second ballot since 1952.
The Electoral College is where things get controversial. You're not directly voting for president - you're voting for electors who then choose the president. Candidates need 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win. This means presidents can lose the popular vote but still win (like Trump in 2016 and Bush in 2000).
Key Debate: 61% of Americans wanted to end the Electoral College in 2016, but it gives smaller states more influence and ensures there's always a clear winner.
Campaign Finance and Political Funding
Campaign finance in America is vastly different from the UK system. The landmark Citizens United vs FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruling said restricting corporate spending on elections violated free speech rights. This created Super PACs - groups that can raise unlimited money to support candidates.
FECA (1974) tried to limit contributions - individuals can give maximum £2,700, groups £5,000. But there are massive loopholes: soft money from interest groups isn't regulated, and candidates can reject federal funding limits entirely.
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) banned soft money and restricted corporate-funded adverts, but Citizens United overturned much of this. By 2023, there were 2,476 Super PACs raising £2.7 billion.
Groups like the NRA heavily fund Republican candidates, raising serious questions about whether wealthy donors have excessive influence over democracy. The system creates inequality where candidates' fundraising ability often matters more than their ideas.
Critical Question: Does unlimited spending protect free speech, or does it give the wealthy unfair control over elections?
We thought you’d never ask...
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Complete Edexcel A Level Politics: US Government & Politics Notes
sophie
@sophiefreyaa
US government and politics explores how American democracy really works, from the complex presidential election process to campaign funding and party systems. You'll discover why the system looks so different from the UK's approach and understand the ongoing debates about... Show more
Course Overview and US Democracy Foundations
This politics course covers three essential areas you need to master: electoral systems (especially presidential elections and campaign finance), the key ideas of Democratic and Republican parties, and how interest groups shape American democracy.
The founding fathers deliberately designed a system that limited direct democracy because they feared "uneducated masses" making poor decisions. Only the House of Representatives gets directly elected by voters - senators were originally appointed by state governments, and presidential elections use an indirect system where you're really voting for people who then choose the president.
The structure reflects this cautious approach to democracy. The Senate represents states equally (two senators each) with 6-year terms, whilst the House of Representatives is based on population with 435 members serving 2-year terms to stay closer to public opinion.
Quick Tip: Remember that the Senate tries impeachment cases and confirms nominations, whilst the House starts impeachment proceedings and all revenue bills.
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Presidential Elections: The Invisible Primary and Primaries
Presidential campaigns actually start years before you see them on the news. The "invisible primary" begins in winter of the year before the election, where candidates spend most of their time raising funds and proving they're presidential material. In 2015, Republicans had 17 candidates competing at this stage!
Primaries and caucuses (January to June) let party members choose their candidate through public votes. Each state has different rules - some allow anyone to vote (open primary), others only registered party members (closed primary), and caucus states hold public debates before voting by literally standing in groups.
"Super Tuesday" happens in early February when multiple states hold primaries simultaneously, and "front loading" means states keep moving their primaries earlier to gain more influence. Republicans use winner-takes-all systems, making these contests particularly intense.
Reality Check: The system raises important issues and tests candidates thoroughly, but it's confusing, expensive, and gives early states unfair influence over later ones.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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VP Selection, Conventions, and the Electoral College
Choosing a vice president involves creating a "balanced ticket" - pairing candidates who appeal to different voter groups (like Biden and Harris). VPs need governmental potential, help with party unity, and increase representation within the party.
National conventions happen every four years where each party officially selects their presidential and VP candidates and writes their party platform (essentially their manifesto). These used to be dramatic affairs, but now they're mostly ceremonial since primaries decide everything - there hasn't been a second ballot since 1952.
The Electoral College is where things get controversial. You're not directly voting for president - you're voting for electors who then choose the president. Candidates need 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win. This means presidents can lose the popular vote but still win (like Trump in 2016 and Bush in 2000).
Key Debate: 61% of Americans wanted to end the Electoral College in 2016, but it gives smaller states more influence and ensures there's always a clear winner.
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Campaign Finance and Political Funding
Campaign finance in America is vastly different from the UK system. The landmark Citizens United vs FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruling said restricting corporate spending on elections violated free speech rights. This created Super PACs - groups that can raise unlimited money to support candidates.
FECA (1974) tried to limit contributions - individuals can give maximum £2,700, groups £5,000. But there are massive loopholes: soft money from interest groups isn't regulated, and candidates can reject federal funding limits entirely.
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) banned soft money and restricted corporate-funded adverts, but Citizens United overturned much of this. By 2023, there were 2,476 Super PACs raising £2.7 billion.
Groups like the NRA heavily fund Republican candidates, raising serious questions about whether wealthy donors have excessive influence over democracy. The system creates inequality where candidates' fundraising ability often matters more than their ideas.
Critical Question: Does unlimited spending protect free speech, or does it give the wealthy unfair control over elections?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Political Philosophy
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user