Congress - the gridlock.

I've just come across a great post by the Democracy in America blog on the Economist's web-site which discusses the gridlock in Congress. Great stuff for anyone contemplating this topic in Unit 4C. The article summarises the findings of a study from the Brookings Institution which came to the conclusion that polarisation of politics is increasing because there are fewer and fewer links between politicians. This leads to less cooperation and compromise:

“IF I sponsor a bill declaring apple pie American, it might fall victim to partisan politics,” declared Barack Obama over the summer. 

Picture credit: Brookings Institution

Great stuff.

However, it must be born in mind that Congress does sometimes pass laws with bipartisan support. A good example would be the July 2014 Workforce Investment Act passed by 415-6 in the House and 95-3 in the Senate - this is a bill to help workers and the unemployed get training to the tune of $3bn per year. Further info can be found here.

In August 2014, there was bipartisan support for airstrikes on Iraq in order to take action against ISIL.

It must be noted that these events are rare and that is why headlines are made when laws are passed with the support of both parties.

How to answer 15-markers in A2 Gov and Pol Unit 4C

I've posted a video on YouTube explaining how to answer 15-mark questions in the A2 exam. Certainly applicable to Unit 4C, and almost certainly applicable to Unit 3C too.

I'll try and do more of these when I get the chance.

Enjoy!

Google on the Scottish Referendum

In the days leading up to the Scottish Referendum, Google has launched a page which aggregates video and news feeds about this important issue. Worth having a browse through.

Presidential Power and the US system

Any G and P student contemplating Presidential power should consider that President Obama has decided to make executive order about the hot-button issue of immigration because it's the right thing to do...  after the mid-terms.

This may show the limits to the President's power, especially given the poor state that the US political system is in; the Democracy in America blog discusses this issue; specifically blaming the two-party system and the lack of 3rd or 4th parties which would encourage compromise. More about it here. A good topic to be on top of for Units 3C and 4C.

Reform of Democracy in the UK - the Spotify model?

Further to news about Conservative MP Douglas Carswell's defection to UKIP, the Economist has just published a video where he discusses reform of the UK's political system. Specifically he talks about how the two main political parties are not modern enough and require members to support all policies. He favours a "Spotify" approach where voters could pick-and choose more.

The video won't embed effectively, so click on the link to get to the video.

Great stuff for any G and P student contemplating reform of the UK political system or of the political parties in Unit 1