1. Difficult USA Questions

2. Int 2 2013 – Explain, in detail, why many Asian-Americans have made social and economic progress in recent years. (6 marks) Asian Americans value education, they work hard in school, for example they have a high level of high school graduates. Many Asian Americans start their own business, they want to be successful and become rich, for example Jerry Yang started Yahoo or Steve Chen started Youtube. Many Asian American families have adapted to American life, they have become part of American society, for example they speak English. Many Asian Americans come to America already wealthy or well educated, they want to live the American Dream, for example start their own business.

3. Int 2 2012 – Explain, in detail, why the Government has made changes to health care in the USA AND explain, in detail, why there has been opposition to these changes. (6 marks) Reasons for Government’s changes to health care USA has poor health record by international comparisons Many Americans uncovered by any health insurance (48 million) High cost of health care (heart transplant $500k) Some, who have health cover, are insufficiently covered in the event of serious/chronic illness. (Less chance of cover if long term ill) Reasons for opposition to changes Health care companies oppose government involvement (UnitedHealth) Some believe it will be very costly to reform health care and increase taxes (don’t want an NHS) Some Americans oppose increased government intervention in peoples’ lives (you make your own choices) Political opposition to President Obama. (Republicans don’t like him)

4. Int 2 2010 – Describe, in detail, two ways in which the Government of the USA is trying to stop illegal immigration into the USA. (4 marks) Strengthening USA borders, more fencing, higher fences, with Mexico. Increased border patrols, with Mexico. Increased border/immigration checks, Mexico and Canada. Sanctions on employers of illegal labour. Imprisonment and deportation of illegal aliens. Limiting welfare for illegal immigrants. (TANF)

5. Int 2 2008 – Describe, in detail, two inequalities in health between different ethnic groups in the USA. (4 marks) Life expectancy, how long people are expected to live, lower for Black Americans compared with Whites, Hispanics and Asians. Infant mortality, baby dying before age of 1, higher rates for Blacks and Native Americans. General health, how healthy a person is, poor health position of Native American population. Health insurance, needed for treatment, lower levels of health insurance cover for ethnic minorities.

6. Int 2 2008 – Explain, in detail, why women and ethnic minorities are poorly represented in the US political system. (6 marks) Relatively few role models for both women and ethnic minorities at top levels of political system. No female president. Turnout lower for ethnic minorities leading to lower voting figures for ethnic minority candidates, lack of understanding, hispanics. Ethnic minorities and females less likely to be chosen as candidates, discrimination, Sarah Palin. High cost of running for office may deter minority candidates, Obama campaign in 2012 cost $1 billion.