Political change in the US

Political change in the US

1. The Constitution

   • The requirement for super majorities
     • 2/3rds in both Houses
       • 3/4ths of all states
         • Incredibly difficult
           • Only 27 successful amendments
             • Means that the Bill of Rights has an entrenched status
               • Failure to pass Flag Desecration
               • Failure to pass an equal rights amendment for women
               • Gun control would require a constitutional amendment

2. The system of government

   • The Founding Fathers wanted a system that was hard to change
     • They did not like the centralisation of power in the British system
       • The Separation of Powers
         • Federalism
           • Divided government
             • Increased partisanship in US politics makes this even worse
               • The rise of the Tea Party

3. The Supreme Court

   • The power of Judicial Review
     • Means that the Court can strike down laws as unconstitutional
       • Impact can be shown by attempts to introduce gun control
         • DC v Heller 2008
         • US v Lopez 1995
         • Printz v US 1997

4. The power of the President

   • The decline in the power of the President
     • The imperilled Presidency
       • The President only has the power to persuade
         • Obama and gun control?
           • Shootings at Sandyhook Elementary School
             • Public opinion seemed in favour of a gun control measure
               • Obama set up a task force under Biden
                 • Executive Order January 2013
                   • Proposals for Congress to consider
                     • The NRA mobilised Congress to block these proposals
                       • However, some were passed at state level - Connecticut and New York
   • However, the President is still an incredibly important figure in US politics
     • They are capable of making significant changes
       • Obama won a convincing victory in 2008
         • The Democrats also had control of the Senate and the House
           • This enabled him to introduce 'Obamacare'
       • Trump?
         • The Republicans control both the House and the Senate
           • This means he is in a position to change US politics?
             • However, Republicans are opposing his plans to change Obamacare
     • The Imperial Presidency

5. Congress

   • The two- year election cycle in the House
     • This means that members have to respond to the wishes of constituents
       • Party control can be weak
         • Link to power of the President
   • Difficulties of legislative process
     • Laws have to pass through both Houses
       • The influence of Pressure Groups on this process
         • Groups such as the NRA can mobilise politicians to stop unwanted bills