1. 1. Introduction to the United States of America Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): 1.Briefly describe the geography and history of the United States. 2.Explain that the United States is a multicultural society with many different people.

2. Introduction What do you know about the USA? Think about: Places People Politics Social issues

3. Introduction to the United States of America Geography The USA is the fourth largest country in the world with mountains, desert and sub-tropical environments. The USA stretches from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south. From New York to LA, is 2,500 miles. The USA has four time zones.

4. History The USA’s history has been dominated by immigration. The Native Americans (wrongly called ‘Indians’) make up only one percent of the US population. European/White settlers were the first to arrive in the USA spreading from the East across the continent to the West in their millions. African Americans were also early to arrive in the US. More recently immigrants from Mexico/Central America and Asia have been arriving in millions. In 2008, 1 m people were added to the US population. Introduction to the United States of America

5. The Multicultural USA Population The USA has attracted people from all over the world. The US population numbers around 305m and is rising rapidly. Most Americans, 67%, are White (198m). The biggest ethnic minority group of Americans are Hispanics or Latinos (Spanish speaking) around 15% (45m people). The third largest group of Americans are African or Black Americans with 12% of US population (36m). There are around 15m Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (5%) of the US population. Only 1% of the US population are Native Americans.

6. 2. US Population Distribution Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): 1.Describe the population distribution patterns for each of the main ethnic groups in the USA. 2.Explain reasons for the population distribution patterns of the main ethnic groups in the USA. The South The North East The West The Mid West

7. US Population Distribution White Americans (198m) White Americans are spread across the whole of the United States. In the North, North East and North West, where Whites originally settled, there are fewer minorities hence Whites make up a greater percentage of the population.

8. US Population Distribution Hispanic Americans (45m) Hispanic Americans are most often found in South West of the United States. 60% of Hispanic Americans are of Mexican origin and have settled in the States nearest the US border. There are also big numbers of Hispanics in Florida (from nearby Cuba) and in the North East of the US (Puerto Ricans entering US through New York.)

9. US Population Distribution Black Americans (36m) Well over half of all Black or African Americans are found in the South of the United States. Originally Black Americans were taken to the US as slaves to work on the farms of the South. Today most Blacks continue to live where their ancestors did although there are established Black communities in most large US cities such as New York, Chicago, LA and Washington.

10. US Population Distribution Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (15m) The largest number of Asian Americans are found on the West coast of the USA – the nearest point of entry from Asia. There are also many Asians Americans in the large cities of the N. East where the have migrated to find work. Pacific Islanders covers those Americans in Hawaii and Alaska.

11. US Population Distribution Native American, Eskimo and Aleut (1.6m) The smallest ethnic minorities in the US are the Native American people. They are mostly found on those areas in the West of the USA where they were ‘relocated’ during the 19 th Century.

12. Importance of Ethnic Population 2010 census showed ethnic minorities make up 36.3% of the US population and the proportion is rising. It also shows that in the last decade the minority population went up 30% compared to a 1% increase for whites. African- Americans are now 13.6% of the population. Hispanics 16% and Asians 5.6%. In 2012 minorities are 28% of all voters (up 2% on 2008).

13. Lesson Starter Create a mind map which shows the different population groups in the USA. (Try to do from memory). Add in statistics that show the importance of ethnic minorities in elections.

14. US Political parties and their support Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): 1.Explain the role of ideology in US politics. 2. Describe from where the two main US political parties get most support. There are two main political parties in the USA – the Democrats and the Republicans. Unlike political parties in the UK, US political parties are not tied to an ideology. This means both main parties contains a range of people from across society. In US elections, candidates seek to build political support across different regions and groups. In America, a candidate’s views on particular issues such as taxes, gun control, abortion or welfare are more important than which party they represent.

15. Who voted for these men?

16. Democratic Party Support In recent years, Democrat support has been strongest from the following groups: The Poor – Those dependent on welfare or Govt. health provision (medicaid) as Democrats more sympathetic to less well off. Many poor people live in urban areas. Minorities – Blacks and Hispanics as the Democrats are more supportive of government programmes to support minorities. Democrats are seen as less strict on immigration. ‘Liberals’ – Those in the NE and West of the USA who are more supportive of government intervention in the economy, and of gay rights, abortion and tighter gun control. US Political parties and their support – The Democrats

17. US Political parties and their support – The Republicans Republican Party Support Republican Party support is strongest amongst: Wealthy people – The Republicans favour low taxes and limited government intervention in the economy. Many wealthy Americans live in sub-urban areas or in more rural States of the Mid West (Iowa) or the South (Alabama). Whites – Although Obama won, most Whites (55%) voted for Republican McCain. ‘Conservatives’ – Republicans are more likely to be conservative on social policy i.e. anti-abortion & anti-gay, pro-gun and pro-death penalty. Note: The ‘religious right’ and the ‘bible belt’ States have grown in importance in US politics in recent years.

18. US Political parties and their support – The 2008 Elections In 2008, the USA returned a Democrat President. In the Presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama beat Republican John McCain.Barack Obama So who supported the Democrats in 2008? 65% of first time voters – Obama younger than McCain. 95% of Blacks and 70% of Hispanics; McCain had a small majority amongst Whites. 56% women and 52% men. Obama more ‘female-friendly’. The 62% of voters who felt Obama and the Democrats were better able to handle the economic crisis.

19. US Political parties and their support – The 2012 Elections A record number of Hispanic and Asian voters headed to the polls to help Obama secure his second term - his support among whites plummeted. Ten per cent of voters were Hispanic - and 71 per cent voted for Obama Romney won 59 per cent of white votes - the biggest majority by any presidential candidate in U.S. history that failed to win White House African-American votes for Obama achieved 2008 levels Democrats won younger votes, while Republicans scored older ones 52 per cent of men voted for Romney compared to 44 per cent of women

20. In a sign Republicans are failing to win over Hispanics, an increasingly influential group, Romney won just 27 per cent. A record number of Asian voters - three per cent of the electorate - also turned out, with nearly three-quarters backing Obama. He also won a staggering 93 per cent of African-American votes. Yet while his popularity among ethnic minorities swelled, he received just 39 per cent of the white votes, down by four per cent on the last election, a drop his campaign had anticipated.

21. 2012 Election Continued Romney secured 59 per cent of the white vote - the largest majority achieved by any presidential candidate in U.S. history who then failed to win. With Hispanics numbering 53 million in the U.S. - about 17 per cent of the population - the 2012 results show just how key the Hispanic votes are to elections, and how Republicans are failing to win them over Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican in Florida and possible 2016 presidential candidate, said: 'The Republican movement should have particular appeal to people in minority and immigrant communities who are trying to make it, and Republicans need to work harder than ever to communicate our beliefs to them.'

22. Lesson Starter Create a mind map which shows the support by different groups in the 2008/2012 elections.

23. Why? Polls showed Hispanic voters trusted Obama on issues of jobs and the economy, and that they believed Democrats cared more for their votes. Scandal over Romney and his video showing his real views about Democrat voters- Obama voters were ‘victims’ who take no responsibility over their lives. Hispanic voters were no doubt alienated by Romney's tough stance against immigration, calling for 'self deportation' and making life tough for undocumented immigrants. He also vetoed the Dream Act, Obama's 2010 bill to help undocumented youngsters. The president gained support for his June decision to allow young immigrants to stay in the country.

24. The Dream Act Refers to children of undocumented immigrants- not born in the USA so are illegal immigrants. Children of illegal immigrants were allowed to attend school regardless of their immigration status. Would not be regarded as legal citizens. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM act, would grant conditional lawful resident status to high school graduates who had grown up in the United States After a period of time, and upon completion of a voluntary work programme, college degree or military service, they could apply for lawful permanent resident status.

25. African Americans and Democrat Support Very Conservative group- many are God- Fearing and church going. Traditional family values- more in line with the Republican ideology. The difference between Republican Conservatism and Black Conservatism is that Republicans have power, wealth and influence and want it to remain that way.

26. The Hispanic Vote Fastest growing ethnic group. Importance of the Hispanic vote has changed drastically in the last decade. Main political parties are understanding the importance of the Hispanic vote. Go to great lengths to get the Hispanic vote.

27. The 'Spanish' Vote Party websites are translated into Spanish. Billboards and leaflets are produced in both English and Spanish. Instructions on ballot papers are given in both Spanish and English. Immigration is placed at the top of the list during election campaigns.

28. Hispanic Registration 2004- 34% were registered to vote and 29.8% turned out to vote. 2008- 59% were registered and 49% turned out to vote. In four years registration has almost doubled. Considerable force in elections.

29. Hispanic Registration However... There are still millions of illegal immigrants living in the country who are unable to vote. 42% of Hispanic voters can't vote- they are either too young or are not citizens. Whereas 77% of whites and 66% of African Americans are eligible to vote.

30. Other influences on voting Religion This is an issue that can also affect the results of elections. In the 2008 election 78% of Jewish voters voted in favour of the Democratic Party. 74% of voters who were Evangelistic Christians voted in favour of the Republican Party.

31. Other influences on voting Gun Owners Only 37% of gun owners voted for Obama and the Democrats. Republicans received more support and gained 62%.

32. The Youth Vote P- Diddy started the Vote or Die Campaign to encourage the youngest members of the population to use their vote. He recognised that 42 million young people aged 18-30 were unlikely to vote and wanted to change this. Washington Post claimed that the campaign was successful.

33. The Youth Vote As a result of the campaign there were many first time voters who participated in the 2008 election. 68% of young people gave their support to Obama. Only 31% gave their vote to the Republicans.

34. Essay Plan…To what extent do ethnic minorities influence the outcomes of elections in the USA? Paragraph 1 – Huge influence – numbers, percentages, impact of blacks and Hispanics on recent elections. Hispanic influence in South West, Black influence in South. Hispanics also crucial to democratic majorities in Colorado, Florida and Indiana. Paragraph 2 – Not such a big influence…42% Hispanics not registered – too young or illegal. Also, whites still make up more than half the vote so more important? Paragraph 3 – Huge influence – Democrat victories in 2008 and 2012 – lost white vote but won elections. More and more ethnic minorities registering to vote. Paragraph 4 – Other factors – religion, guns, age etc…examples… Conclusion – ethnic minorities have a huge influence but other factors also important …

35. 2008 Presidential Election Red = Republican Blue = Democrat http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United _States_presidential_election,_20 08

36. 2012 Presidential Election Red = Republican Blue = Democrat http://en.wikipedia.org/w iki/United_States_presid ential_election,_2012