Edexcel Revision Check List Paper 3 Comparative USA

For the Edexcel A Level Politics Paper 3: Comparative Politics (USA), your revision should be split into the five core content areas of US government and the specific comparative theories required for the 12-mark questions. 

1. The US Constitution and Federalism

• The Nature of the Constitution: Key principles (separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government).

• The Amendment Process: Stages of the process and reasons for its difficulty.

• Federalism: The changing relationship between federal and state governments (Dual, Cooperative, New Federalism).

• Comparative Points: Comparisons between the US codified constitution and the UK uncodified constitution; US federalism vs. UK devolution. 

2. US Congress

• Structure and Powers: The role of the House of Representatives vs. the Senate.

• Functions: Law-making process, oversight of the executive, and the power of the purse.

• Representation: Models of representation and the impact of gerrymandering.

• Comparative Points: Comparison of the US legislative branch with the UK Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords). 

3. US Presidency

• Sources of Power: Formal (constitutional) vs. informal (persuasion, executive orders) powers.

• Relationships: Presidential relations with Congress, the Cabinet, and the EXOP.

• Limitations: Constitutional checks, the role of the media, and public approval.

• Comparative Points: Comparing the US President as Head of State/Government to the UK Prime Minister. 

4. US Supreme Court and Civil Rights

• The Court's Nature: Judicial review, the appointment process, and judicial activism vs. restraint.

• Public Policy: Key landmark cases regarding civil rights and liberties (e.g., race, religion, abortion).

• Civil Rights: Effectiveness of protection for racial and ethnic minorities.

• Comparative Points: US Supreme Court vs. UK Supreme Court; effectiveness of rights protection in both systems. 

5. US Democracy and Participation

• Elections: The Presidential election process, the Electoral College, and campaign finance.

• Political Parties: Ideologies of Democrats vs. Republicans; party systems and factions.

• Interest Groups: Methods, influence, and impact on democracy.

• Comparative Points: Comparison of US and UK party systems, electoral systems, and pressure group influence. 

6. Comparative Theories (Crucial for 12-Mark Questions)

To score highly on the "Analyze" question, you must apply at least one of these three theories: 

• Structural: Explaining similarities/differences through institutions and processes (e.g., codified vs. uncodified constitutions).

• Rational: Focusing on the actions of individuals (politicians, voters) to further their own interests.

• Cultural: Looking at the influence of historical backgrounds, traditions, and collective values (e.g., US individualism vs. UK collectivism).