NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS CURRICULUM SUPPORT
Modern Studies
International Issues: USA
[ACCESS 3]
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Forest Inventory and Analysis; World War II Marines poster © About.com; image of Twin
Towers on 11 September 2001 © PA Photos; articlea ‘Mexico slams Georgia migrant law’ (19
April 2006), ‘US immigrants stage boycott day’ (2 May 2006), ‘US city gets tough on
immigrants’ (14 July 2006), ‘Mexico anger over US border fence’ (27 October 2006) all ©
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
Contents
Background
What a big country!
What a lot of people!
It is hot, hot, hot and cold, cold, cold!
The flag
5
5
6
7
7
The population of the USA and its people
The different groups in the USA
9
9
Hispanics
Three main groups
Mexican Americans
Puerto Ricans
Cubans
11
Black Americans
Blacks in the South
Blacks in the North
Blacks in the inner-cities
Why do Black Americans live there they live?
25
26
28
28
30
Asian and Pacific Islanders (API)
33
Native Americans
35
Immigration to the USA
The American Dream
Who are these immigrants?
Why do people come to the USA?
Types of immigrants
Why do people worry so much about immigration?
How does the Government deal with immigration?
36
36
37
37
38
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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3
CONTENTS
Economic inequalities and progress – Blacks and Hispanics
Problem 1: Employment and unemployment
Problem 2: Poverty
55
57
60
Social inequality and progress – Blacks and Hispanics
Problem 3: Health
Problem 4: Educational attainment
Problem 5: Housing
Problem 6: Crime and the law
63
63
66
68
72
Social and economic inequalities and progress – Asian and
Pacific Islanders (APIs)
Income and poverty
Education
Health
76
76
77
77
Political background
Great Britain and the USA
The Declaration of Independence
The signing of the American Constitution
The first president
Politics today
How does the Government of the USA work?
Representation in the USA
Black Americans and political progress
Hispanics and political progress
Asian and Pacific Islanders and political progress
Women and the US political system
How can the people of the USA get involved in politics?
78
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86
88
89
90
Resources
Blank map of the USA
Immigration task
State Government group work task
Internet research help
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98
99
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
BACKGROUND
Background
In 1776, Britain’s 13 American colonies formed a new nation, which
they called the United States of America. Over the next couple of
hundred years, 37 new states were added. The USA is now the world’s
most powerful country.
What a big country!
The USA is a huge country. It has an area of 9,631,420 sq uare
kilometres. The USA is the third largest country in the world. Russia is
first and Canada is second. The USA is almost two and a half times the
size of the European Union.
http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/us.htm
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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BACKGROUND
What a lot of people!
The USA also has lots of people. Only China and India have larger
populations. It has a population of around 298,444,215 and more and
more people are coming in every day.
In July 2006, it was estimated that 20.4% of Americans were aged
between 0 and 14 years. 67.2% were aged between 15 and 64 years,
while 12.5% were aged 65 and over.
Activities
1.
Write a short paragraph giving some details about the background
of the USA.
Background of the USA – Did you
know…?
2.
Write a short paragraph giving some details about the size of the
USA.
What a big country – Did you know…?
6
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
BACKGROUND
It is hot, hot, hot and cold, cold, cold!
The USA has lots of different kinds of weather. Alaska has long, dark,
extremely cold winters and short, mild summers. It doesn ’t rain often
but is covered with snow and ice during much of the year. The eastern
side of the USA, for example New York and Massachusetts, has lots of
weather changes. The people living there experience spring, summer,
autumn and winter. The south eastern part of the USA (for example,
Florida) has a warmer average temperature. If you travel further west to
states like New Mexico, you will find mostly mountain and desert
country, which doesn’t have much rain at all.
The flag
The American flag is known as Old Glory. It has 13 red and white
stripes. A blue rectangle in the top left corner has 50 small white stars.
The 50 stars represent the 50 states; the 13 stripes repr esent the 13
original colonies.
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following chart.
Weather
State
2.
Draw a picture of the American flag.
3.
What is the American flag sometimes called?
4.
Explain why there are 13 stripes and 50 stars on the flag.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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BACKGROUND
5.
Collect a blank map of the USA. Using an atlas to help you, label
the following states.
New York
Alaska
Washington
Arkansas
Kansas
Arizona
Massachusetts
Florida
California
Nebraska
North Carolina
New Jersey
Illinois
New Mexico
Texas
Georgia
Wyoming
South Dakota
Extension
1.
Look at the following website: www.50states.com
2.
Choose three or four states and find out the following
information:










3.
Present this information to the other members of your class.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
The name of the state
The capital of that state
The population of the state
The land area of the state
Any other information you think is relevant
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE POPULATION OF THE USA AND ITS PEOPLE
The population of the USA and its people
The population of the USA is mixed. There are five main groups of people
in the USA today. They are Whites, Black or African Americans, Hispanic
Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.
You will learn many different things about these groups. White English speaking Americans are the largest group of people living in the USA
today. Even although many of these White Americans came from different
countries, such as Germany, the UK, Ireland and Italy, this group has
mixed well. Most people in this group now consider themselves American.
The different groups in the USA
Native
American
A Native American is a person who has origins in any of the
original peoples of North America. This group are sometimes
known as American Indians. The name Christopher Columbus
was the first person to call this group Indians. He believed
mistakenly that the USA was part of the Indies, in Asia.
Population: 2.5 million
Asians and
Pacific
Islanders
There are many different groups of Asian Americans. They
come from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines,
India and Pakistan. Pacific Islanders come from Hawaii,
Samoa and other Pacific Islands.
Population: 12.5 million
Black
An American of African descent.
Population: 36 million
White
A person having origins in any of the original peoples of
Europe, North Africa or the Middle East.
Population: 202 million
Hispanic
A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South
American or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of
race.
Population: 37 million
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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THE POPULATION OF THE USA AND ITS PEOPLE
Activities
1.
Draw a spider diagram showing the different groups of people
currently living in the USA.
2.
Enter the correct population beside each group.
Extension
1.
Using the table above, add extra information about each group to
your diagram.
10
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Hispanics
Hispanic factfile
Q:
A:
How many Hispanics live in the USA? What percentage of the US
population is Hispanic?
35 million live in the USA (13% of the population).
Q:
A:
Which part of the USA do Hispanics live in?
34.8% of them live in the South.
13.3% live in the North East.
7.7% live in the Mid-West.
44.2% live in the West.
Q:
A:
Do Hispanics live in the towns or in the countryside?
91.3% of Hispanics live in the towns (urban areas).
8.7% of Hispanics live in the countryside (rural areas).
As you can see, Hispanics live mainly in the South and West. A lot of
Hispanics also live in big cities like New York and Chicago. Over half
live in just two states, California (11.0 million) and Texas (6.7 million).
Five more states have Hispanic populations of 1 million or more: New
York (2.9 million), Florida (2.7 million), Illinois (1.5 million), Arizona
(1.3 million) and New Jersey (1.1 million). The Hispanic population is
growing much faster than the national average.
Activities
Using an atlas to help you, enter the number of Hispanics living in the
following states on a blank map.
California
Illinois
Texas
Arizona
New York
New Jersey
Florida
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
Hispanics can also be split into three main groups.
1.
2.
3.
Mexican Americans
Puerto Ricans
Cubans
Mexican Americans
There are approximately 23 million Mexican Americans in the USA,
and they make up 66% of all Hispanics. Most Mexican Americans live
in the South and the West of the USA. The Mexican population of Los
Angeles is second only in size to Mexico City.
West
57%
Other
33%
South-West
33%
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Many Mexicans
send the money
they earn back to
their families in
Mexico.
Most Mexicans
are trying to
escape poverty
and
unemployment.
Why do
Mexicans
come to the
USA?
Mexicans move
to the USA to
improve their
standard of living.
They move to the
USA to find
work.
Activities
Copy and complete the following paragraph using the word bank below.
There are many_________ why Mexicans come to live in the ______.
Some move to the USA to find ______. Others are trying to escape
__________ and ___________. Many Mexicans just want to _________
their standard of living. Lots of Mexicans send the _______ they
________ back to their families in Mexico.
unemployment
money
improve
reasons
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
poverty
work
earn
USA
Extension
1.
Read the following information.
Mexican
American
jobs:
Some facts
Even the most
poorly-paid jobs in
the USA still
provide higher
wages than in
Mexico.
2.
Many work in jobs
which pay the USA
minimum wage rate,
for example, in the
fast food industry or
sweeping the streets.
Most White
Americans hate
these jobs.
Many become farm
labourers following
the planting and
harvesting work
through the Western,
Southern and MidWestern States right
up to the Canadian
border.
Using the information above, write a short report on Mexican
American jobs. You should include the following information.


Why do Mexicans do the low paid jobs?
What kind of jobs do Mexicans do?
3.
Study Sources 1 and 2 on the next page, then answer the question
that follows.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Source 1
Some people like the Mexicans
In California and Texas the farmers depend on this labour force and
many pay for gangs of illegal immigrants to be smuggled into th e
USA. Border patrols are not above accepting favours from farmers or
restaurant owners who employ illegal immigrants. Mexican workers
earn low wages and work in poor conditions; however, the wages
earned are still greater than those received back home in Mexico.
Source 2
Some people don’t like the Mexicans
Unhappy Whites have staged demonstrations recently against the
failure of the American government to tackle immigration from
Mexico. In 2005, 1,000 vigilantes, known as the Minutemen, placed
volunteers along the US border between Arizona and Mexico to
watch the immigrants trying enter the country illegally. When they
saw Mexicans coming across the border, they phoned the border
police to come and arrest them.
Sources 1 and 2 above give different views about how many
American citizens feel about illegal Mexican immigrants.
Study the two sources and write down what these differences are. You
should mention at least two differences in your answer. Your answer must
be based on the sources above. (4 marks)
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
Problems for the Mexican Americans
Problem 1
Some are treated very badly by their employers.
Problem 2
Sometimes the police, along with
groups of vigilantes, attack the
Mexicans. In Rio Grande, Texas,
a lawyer obtained video
recordings taken by police of
officers abusing young Mexicans.
Problem 3
The Ku Klux Klan has also been
responsible for attacks and
murders of illegal Mexican
immigrants.
Problem 4
Some immigrants live near the
border and work in the USA
making the crossing on a daily
basis.
Activities
Some Mexican Americans have serious problems when they come to the
USA.
1.
Explain some of the problems that Mexican Americans have when
they come to the USA.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Puerto Ricans
There are 3.3 million Puerto Ricans in the USA. Most of them live in
the cities in the North East of the USA.
Over one third of all Puerto Ricans in the USA live in New York.
Others live in Chicago in the Mid West of the USA.
Puerto Ricans factfile
Fact 1
Puerto Rico is a Free Associated State of the USA; therefore,
its citizens have dual nationality.
Fact 2
Puerto Ricans are free to enter the USA.
Fact 3
Puerto Ricans form the lowest income group in the US.
Fact 4
Many work in low paid service industries such as cab driving.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
They want to
achieve the
American
Dream.
Why do
Puerto Ricans
come to the
USA?
There are
established
Puerto Rican
communities in
the USA.
They already
have relatives in
the USA.
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following paragraph using the word bank
below.
There are a number of __________ why Puerto Ricans come to
live in the ___________. Some move to the USA to achieve the
______________ __________. Others want to come to the USA
because they want to join their ________________ who are living
there already. Many come to the USA to join the Puerto Rican
___________________ that are already there.
American
Dream
18
relatives
USA
communities
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
reasons
HISPANICS
2.
Write down which of the following sentences are true.


 Puerto Rico is a Free Associated State of the USA
 Puerto Ricans are one of the richest groups of people in the
USA.
 Many Puerto Ricans work in low paid jobs.
 Puerto Ricans have dual nationality.
 Puerto Ricans have many problems entering the USA.
 Puerto Ricans form the lowest income group in the USA.
 Puerto Ricans are free to enter the USA.
 Puerto Ricans usually work in the highl y paid jobs in the USA.






Puerto Ricans in New York – Extension Group
Activity
1.
In groups of three or four, read the following
information.
Timeline of Puerto Rican immigration
19th Century
The first group of Puerto Ricans moved to New York
in the mid 19th Century when Puerto Rico was a
Spanish Colony. Most of the Puerto Ricans came
from well-to-do families who could afford the luxury
of travelling to New York by steamship, an expensive
and long trip. It is estimated that 1,800 Puerto Ricans
migrated to New York during this period.
1917–30s
Puerto Rico became a US possession in 1917. Puerto
Ricans no longer needed a passport to travel to the
US. Many families migrated to New York in search of
a better way of life. In New York, life was difficult
and they suffered discrimination. It was difficult for
them to find well paid jobs because of they spoke a
different language. The women usually stayed home
as housewives and looked after their children.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
1930s
US banks and industries suffered many problems in
the 1930s. Unemployment rose in both the USA and
in Puerto Rico. Many families fled to the USA to find
jobs.
1939
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 opened the
doors to many of the migrants who were searching for
jobs. Since a large number of men were off fighting,
many Puerto Ricans found themselves employed in
factories and ship docks. The military also provided a
steady source of income for some.
1946–50
Many Puerto Rican soldiers who returned after World
War II went to college. Some founds jobs. Although
many suffered racism and discrimination, Puerto
Rican women got jobs for the first time in factories. It
is estimated that from 1946 to 1950 there were 31,000
Puerto Rican migrants in New York.
1950s
The largest wave of migration came about in t he
1950s in what became known as ‘The Great
Migration’. Air Travel was an affordable and fast way
to travel to New York.
1960s
By 1960, the United States census showed that there
were well over 600,000 New Yorkers of Puerto Rican
birth or with Puerto Rican parents. By 1964, the
Puerto Rican community made up 9.3% of the total
New York City’s population.
1970s
The 1970s saw what became known as reversemigration. Many Puerto Ricans returned home.
2.
In your group, complete a presentation showing the timeline of
Puerto Rican immigration/migration to New York. Add pictures
where appropriate.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Cubans
There are 1.4 million Cubans in the USA. More than 75% of Cubans
live in the South. Most of the Cubans living in the USA are based in
Florida in the South. They mainly live in Miami, in an area called Little
Havana. There is also a large Cuban community in the North East ,
particularly in the states of New York and New Jersey. A small number
of Cubans are based in the Mid-West and the West of the USA. The
most famous Cuban American is Jennifer Lopez.
Florida is 90
miles from the
coast of Cuba.
Why do
Cubans come
to the USA?
The USA
welcomed Cuban
immigrants
because they were
anti-Communist.
Cubans have been
entering the USA
since Communist
Fidel Castro
became leader.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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HISPANICS
Activities
1.
On a blank map of the USA, colour in the three states where the
majority of Cuban immigrants live.
2.
Copy and complete the following paragraph using the word b ank
below.
There are a number of __________ why Cubans come to live in
the __________. Some move to the USA to escape their leader,
_____________________. Cubans came to the USA because it is
only ____________ miles from Cuba. Americans ____________
these Cubans because they were anti-_______________.
Fidel Castro
USA
90
welcomed
reasons
Communist
Source 1
Most of the Cubans living in the USA are based in Florida in
the South.
Many Cubans live in the North East particularly in the states of
New York and New Jersey.
Cubans have been entering the USA since Communist Fidel
Castro became leader.
The USA welcomed Cuban immigrants because they were anti Communist.
Source 2
They mainly live in Miami, in an area called Little Havana.
A small number of Cubans are based in the Mid West and the
West of the USA.
Cubans come to the USA to try and escape poverty
Illegal migration to the USA – using homemade rafts or via the
southwest border – is a continuing problem.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HISPANICS
Sources 1 and 2 above give different views about Cuban
immigrants.
3.
Study the two sources and write down what these differences are.
You should mention at least two differences in your answer. Your
answer must be based on the sources above. (4 marks)
Extension
1.
Read the following information.
Timeline of Cuban immigration
1959
Fidel Castro took control of Cuba. 200,000 Cubans came
to the USA. Most of these immigrants were middle class
and wanted to better themselves. They could not do this in
Cuba because it was a Communist country. Communism
means that all wealth should be spread out among the
whole population. In the US, citizens can keep most of
their wealth.
1965–73
Over the years Castro has allowed waves of Cuban
immigrants to leave Cuba. Between 1965 and 1973,
300,000 entered the USA. They called themselves exiles
not immigrants.
1980
Another 126,000 immigrants left Cuba. However 5% of
these were convicts and mental patients.
1994
Castro allowed tens of thousands to leave Cuba for the
USA in order to help the problems of poverty in Cuba.
Cuba is a very poor country. This is because the USA has
refused to trade with Cuba since 1959. The USA does not
like Communism.
1990s
The USA reversed its open-door policy and began sending
Cuban refugees back to tented camps at Guantanamo Bay.
This is a part of Cuba that is still controlled by the US
military. It contains an army base and a prison.
2.
Draw a timeline of Cuban immigration. Add pictures where
appropriate.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
23
HISPANICS
More about the Cubans!
Most Cubans would like to return to Cuba after Castro and Communism
have gone. Cubans are the wealthiest Hispanic group in the USA. They
are usually middle class and live in the suburbs. Many own their own
businesses and have similar income levels to Whites.
However, people living in Miami including many Cubans are becoming
extremely worried by the constant influx of Cuban refugees (known as
‘boat people’) entering the US in overcrowded and un-seaworthy boats.
They believe more immigrants will threaten the prosperity of those
already living in the USA.
Activities
Match the correct head with the correct tail.
Most Cubans would like to
Cubans are the
Cubans are usually
Cubans
Many Cubans
Many people in Miami are worried
Many people believe that
24
have similar income levels to Whites.
by the Cuban refugees.
middle class and live in the suburbs.
immigrants threaten their prosperity.
own their own businesses.
wealthiest Hispanic group.
return to Cuba after Castro.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
BLACK AMERICANS
Black Americans
Black Americans factfile
Fact 1
There are 38.3 million Black Americans. This works out at
around 13% of the USA’s population.
Fact 2
55.3% of Black Americans live in the South, 18.1% live in
the North East. Another 18.1% live in the Mid-West, while
8.6% live in the West.
Fact 3
Most Black people (87.5%) live in urban areas (towns and
cities) while 12.5% live in rural areas (the countryside).
Fact 4
Of the Blacks who live in the urban areas, more than half of
them live in the inner-cities. The inner-cities are usually the
poorest parts of the cities.
Activities
Read the Black American factfile. Answer the following questions in
sentences.
1.
What percentage of the population do Black Americans account
for?
2.
Ask your teacher for some graph paper. Draw a bar graph showing
where Black Americans live. Remember to give your graph and
title and to include a key.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
25
BLACK AMERICANS
3.
Copy the correct sentences into your jotter.





















87.5% of Black people live in urban areas.
87.5% of Black people live in rural areas.
12.5% of Black people live in urban areas.
12.5% of Black people live in rural areas.
Urban areas are the towns and cities.
Urban means the countryside.
Rural areas are the towns and cities.
Rural means the countryside.
More than half of Blacks who live in urban areas live in the
inner-cities.
 Less than half of Blacks who live in urban areas live in the
inner-cities.
 The inner-cities are usually the poorest parts of the cities.
 The inner-cities are usually the richest parts of the cities.
Blacks in the South
As you know from the factfile, more than half of Black Americans live
in the South of the USA. Every state in the South has a large Black
population.
http://srsfia2.fs.fed.us/images/srsfia/southern_states2.gif
The Southern States used to import slaves to work on the plantations .
These states are known as the ‘Old South’: 82% of Blacks living in the
South are based in these states, for example, Mississippi, Louisiana,
South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Alabama. In the South, there is
26
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
BLACK AMERICANS
an equal spread of Blacks living in the inner city areas and those who
live outside the central city in suburbs. Blacks and Whites often live
quite close together in the South, unlike the North and West where they
are more likely to live in separate communities.
Blacks form the majority population in some cities in the Southern
states. Although most Blacks live in the cities, 22% still live in the
rural areas. They make their living as farm labourers or truck drivers.
Activities
1.
Using an atlas, on a blank map colour in the states that make up
the ‘Old South’.
2.
Copy and complete the following paragraph, using the word box
below.
In the __________, there is an equal spread of Blacks living in the
___________ areas and those who live out in the _____________.
Although most Blacks live in the __________, 22% still live in the
______________ areas. Blacks and _________ often live quite
close together in the South, unlike the North and West where they
are more likely to live in
rural
Whites
separate
suburbs
_____________ communities.
inner-cities
cities
South
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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BLACK AMERICANS
Blacks in the North
Lots of Blacks also live in the North and the West. Most Blacks living
in the North live in the inner cities, although some live in the suburbs.
Residential segregation between Whites and Blacks is much more
common in the North and West of the USA.
Less than a fifth of Blacks live in the North East. Blacks who live in the
North East are mostly based in cities like New York and Newark and
other cities that were heavily industrialised. Less than a fifth of Blacks
live in the Mid-West. They are mostly based in the major industrial
cities of Detroit, Toledo, Chicago and Gary. Less than 10 % of the Black
population live in the West of the USA. Most Blacks in the West are
live in either California or Washington.
Blacks in the inner-cities
Normally in the USA each immigrant group settles at first in the inner
city areas. In these areas, housing is cheap and jobs are available in
manufacturing or the service sector. After lots of hard work, they can
move away to live in a better area. 69% of Blacks in the North and
West live in inner city areas and less than one third have been able to
find homes in the suburbs. Blacks and Whites don’t mix very well in
the North and West cities.
The Whites move out when the Blacks move in
Many of the Blacks who live in the inner cities become trapped in
large-scale housing projects. The Blacks who did move out of the
ghettos to the suburbs found quickly that as they moved in, the Whites
moved out. Studies have shown that if Blacks make up more than 8 % of
the residents in a suburb, house prices began to fall. Whites move away
to other suburbs.
Segregated Black suburbs
Some White residents committees buy houses from people who are
moving out. They then sell it to Whites making sure that it is only
Whites living in a particular neighbourhood. Middle class Blacks have
instead found themselves in segregated Black suburbs.
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BLACK AMERICANS
Activities
1.
Where do most Black Americans in the north live?
2.
In which North-East cities do most Black Americans live?
3.
Why do they live there?
4.
In which Mid-West cities do most Black Americans live?
5.
Copy and complete the following table. Write two or three
sentences about each heading.
1.
Blacks in the innercities
2.
3.
1.
The Whites move
out when the Blacks
move in
2.
3.
1.
Segregated Black
Suburbs
2.
3.
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BLACK AMERICANS
Why do Black Americans live where they live?
Reason 1: Black Americans are the
descendents of slaves
Many Blacks live in the ‘Old South’ because
they are the descendents of the original Black
slaves. Slaves were imported from Africa to
work on the cotton and tobacco plantations in
the 17th and 18th centuries. Although they were
freed from slavery after American Civil War
(1861–65) most stayed to become truck farmers
and seasonal labourers.
Reason 2: Blacks wanted to escape racism in the South
Even after they were freed, the Blacks continued to suffer. They were
kept apart from white people. In 1900, 90% of Blacks lived in the South
but by 1940 this had fallen to 77%. Many Blacks moved to the
industrial cities in the North and West. They wanted to find better jobs.
They also wanted to escape racism in the South.
Reason 3: Industries in the North needed workers
During World War II more industries in the north needed workers to
help the war effort. This continued after the war, as Black soldiers
returning home preferred to move to the cities of the North. They
wanted to get away from the poverty and discrimination in the South.
http://z.about.com/d/history1900s/1/0/0/R/wwiip137.jpg
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BLACK AMERICANS
Reason 4: Blacks live in segregated suburbs in the North
By 1970 only half of all Blacks lived in the South. But Blacks in the
North and West of the USA began to experience problems of poverty
and segregation. Industries in the North and West, like car
manufacturing in Detroit closed down. Unemployment increased.
Problems in the inner-cities got worse and started to become known as
ghettos and richer Blacks moved out. Many Blacks weren’t allowed to
move to the middle-class suburbs beside the White Americans. Instead,
middle class Blacks tended to move to their own segregated suburbs.
Reason 5: New industries attract some Blacks back to the South
New industries were set up in the southern states in the 1980s and
1990s. Arizona, New Mexico and Texas were known as the ‘Sunbelt
South’. Blacks were attracted there by new jobs and by a more tolerant
attitude towards them. By 2002, 55% of Blacks were living in the
South.
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BLACK AMERICANS
Activities
1.
Complete the following table showing where Black Americans
lived and why they lived there.
When?
Where were Blacks living? Why?
17th and 18th Centuries
1861–65
1900
1940
2002
1970 (What was happening
in the North?)
1980s and 1990s
2002
2.
Using the completed chart, draw a timeline, showing why Black
Americans live where they live. Remember to add drawings and
pictures where possible.
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ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS (APIs)
Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs)
Asians are immigrants or descendents of immigrants who are from Far
Eastern countries in the last 150 years. Asians come from countries
such as China, India, Japan, Korea and the Philippine Islands. Pacific
Islanders mainly come from Hawaii, Samoa and the other Pacific
Islands.
Asians live mainly in the West, particularly California. Many also live
in the cities of the North-East and the South. Almost all APIs live in
towns or cities.
West
53%
Mid-West
10%
N East
18%
South
33%
According to data from the US Census in 2000, 45% of APIs live in city
centre areas, 52% live in the wealthier suburbs and only 3% live outside
the city.
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ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS (APIs)
Activities
1.
Write down three countries that the Asian immigrants came from.
2.
Write down two countries that the Pacific Islanders came from.
3.
Explain, in a paragraph, where most Asian and Pacific Islanders
live in the USA.
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NATIVE AMERICANS
Native Americans
Native American is the name given to American Indians, Eskimos
(Inuit) and Aleut. They were the first people to settle in the USA. They
arrived more than 20,000 years ago. White settlers threw them off their
land in the 19th century. Many were killed. Others were rounded up and
put into reservations. Native Americans did not become American
citizens until the 1920s. Even today they still suffer from
discrimination.
Many Native Americans live on reservations. This is land that they
were allowed to keep rather than give it up to the US Government.
There are 550 Native American tribes, living in 275 land areas. Each
reservation has its own tribal government. Native Americans are t he
smallest ethnic group in the USA. Many live in Arizona, New Mexico
and Utah. Around two-thirds of them live in towns and cities. Many
live in Los Angeles, California.
Activities
1.
Complete the following sentences about Native Americans:
Twenty-thousand years ago…
In the 19th century…
In the 1920s …
2.
Explain what a reservation is.
3.
Name the states that most Native Americans live in.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Immigration to the USA
The population of the USA has been regularly increasing over the last
200 years because of immigration. Immigration is when people come to
a country with a view to living there permanently. Millions of people
want to come to the USA because they believe in the American Dream.
The American Dream
The American Dream is about freedom, rights and opportunity and
equality. Many people believe that by living in the USA, a wealthy
country, they will have the opportunity to improve their living
standards.
However, there are other reasons for people wanting to move to
America. They can be split into push factors and pull factors. Push
factors are the bad things that push immigrants from their own country.
Pull factors are the good things that attract people to the new country.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Activities
1.
What is the American Dream?
2.
Copy and complete the following table, using the words in the box
below.
Push factors (This is when people
leave their own country because
their life there is not very good.)
Hunger
Disease
Free Speech
Lots of land
Pull factors (This is when people
come to the USA because life is
likely to be better.)
Unemployment
Poverty
Wealth
War
Education
Peace
A better standard of living
No free speech
Pushed off land
Employment
Who are these immigrants?
Between 1820 and 1970, most immigrants were from Europe. From
1970 onwards, most immigrants have been Asians and Hispanics.
Why do people come to the USA?
The main reason for immigration is to earn money. Immigrants work in
a range of jobs from the fast food to high tech industry. They earn far
more in the USA than they would in their own countries. Mexican
immigrants may only earn $3 a day back home but can earn four times
that amount in even the poorest paid jobs in the USA. Many are
employed as fruit pickers or street sweepers. The US government
welcomes around 800,000 legal immigrants each year to do these jobs,
which most Americans do not want to do.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following paragraph, using the word in the
box below.
Most people come to the USA to earn __________. Immigrants
work in lots of different ______________ from the
_____________ to the _______________ industry. They earn
more in the USA than they would in their own countries. Mexican
immigrants for example may only earn ______ dollars a day back
home but can earn up to ________ times that in the USA. Many
get jobs as ______________ or ___________________. The US
__________ welcomes around 800,000 _______________
immigrants each year do these jobs, which most Americans do not
want to do.
fast food
high tech
fruit pickers
government
jobs
three
four
legal
money
street sweepers
Types of immigrants
Today, there are two main types of immigrants. Some immigrants are
legal, which means they have permission to be there, while others are
illegal, which means they don’t have permission to be there.
In the 1990s half of all legal immigrants were from Asian countries
such as South Korea. Around a quarter came from Spanish speaking
countries.
Illegal immigration: How big is the problem?
Despite millions of dollars spent on improving border security, the US
government struggles stop these illegal immigrants. There are around
11.5 million illegal immigrants in the USA. Every year between
500,000 and 700,000 more come into the country.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
How do they get in to the USA?
Most illegal immigrants come into the country legally, saying that they
are on holiday, but then they don’t leave.
Many more illegal immigrants come from Mexico. They enter the USA
by crossing the Rio Grande River. They do this to avoid going through
the security on the border. Others enter through underground irrigation
tunnels.
Activities
1.
What is a legal immigrant?
2.
What is an illegal immigrant?
3.
How does the government try to stop illegal immigration?
4.
How many illegal immigrants are in the USA?
5.
How many illegal immigrants come into the USA every year?
Who are the illegal immigrants?
Mexicans
Most illegal immigrants are from Mexico. They cross the border from
Mexico into the USA. Many are caught and sent home; however, most of
them just try again until they are successful. They come to the USA for
work, for example, as farm labourers in California, New Mexico and Texas.
Cubans
Many Cubans also try to enter the USA illegally every year. There is a
90-mile crossing between Cuba and Florida and many Cubans attempt
this journey in un-seaworthy boats and vehicles. Those Cubans who
manage to cross successfully usually settle in Miami where there is a
large Cuban community. This community is known as Little Havana.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Asians
Thousands of Asians also enter illegally.
They are usually smuggled to the USA
on boats. Far-east crime gangs such as
the Hong Kong Triads are often
involved in this money-making
business. When they arrive in the USA,
most Asians usually settle in their own
communities, for example the
Chinatowns in Los Angeles and New
York.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/
wiki/Image:Chinatownmanhattan-2004.jpg
Activities
Copy and complete the following table using the information above
about illegal immigrants.
Illegal Immigrants
Who are they?
40
How did they get
there?
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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What do they do
when they are there?
IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Why do people worry so much about immigration?
Opinion polls say that most Americans think illegal immigration is a
serious problem for the USA. Most illegal immigrants have little
education and few skills. Other people think that illegal immigrants are
good for the USA. They usually do the jobs that no -one else wants to
do. Some people think that lots of jobs would never be done if it wasn ’t
for the illegal immigrants.
Why are so many people against immigration?
Too many people want the same jobs.
Many Americans are unhappy that Hispanic immigrants have forced so
many changes, for example: changes in language in some schools, road
signs, television channels and changes in shops, which have begun to
sell more and more Hispanic products.
The terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York (in September
2001) were carried out by Al Qaeda members who had been living in
the USA. They had also taken flying lessons in the USA. Many
Americans wanted laws to be tightened to prevent terrorist s coming into
the USA.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Activities
1.
Your teacher will give you a copy of the sheet below.
Minutemen are citizens who have taken
it upon themselves to patrol the US
borders and to confront illegal workers
in cities around the US.
The US Government has also made a
huge investment in increasing border
security.
Opinion polls suggest that most
Americans are in favour of tighter
immigration controls.
Immigrants contribute to the economy.
For example, they need housing,
medical care, education, food, etc.
The USA is known as the ‘land of the
free’. People come in search of the
American Dream.
Many immigrants make little or no
attempt to become American and many
Whites feel unhappy about this. For
example, living in East LA has been
described as like living in Mexico.
Immigrants do the jobs that no-one
else wants. For example, low paid
burger-flipping jobs. By doing so,
they allow employers to keep wages
down and therefore the American
economy is competitive.
Some people argue that in the long
term, immigrants contribute more to
the economy than they cost.
Wages are being forced down because
immigrants will do low-paid jobs.
There is increased competition for
jobs, housing and education.
A guest-worker programme which has
been proposed by President Bush. This
recognises the economic benefits of
immigrants.
The government is tightening
restrictions on legal immigration
especially on unskilled labour from
Mexico.
Thousands of illegal immigrants,
mainly from Mexico/Central America
enter the USA every year. 25% of all
illegal immigrants go to California. As
of this year, there is an estimated 11
million illegal immigrants in the USA.
There has been an increase in racial
tension.
2.
Divide a page into two with the headings, For immigration and
Against immigration. Cut or copy the above arguments and place
under the correct heading.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
How does the Government deal with immigration?
Many measures have been suggested and some have been introduced to
try and reduce the numbers of immigrants coming into the USA .
What happened?
What did this mean for
immigrants?
Successful or Unsuccessful?
Tighten visa
controls.
Cut down on the number of
visas issued.
Catch more people who stay in
the country too long.
They have not been very
successful as half of all
illegal immigrants stay in the
USA after their visas have
expired.
Reduce the
number of legal
immigrants to
the USA.
Since 1996, Cubans are no
longer automatically allowed to
stay in the USA.
Florida citizens are happier
now, as most Cubans usually
stayed in Florida.
Immigration
Reform and
Control Act
(1986)
Illegal to hire illegal
immigrants. Anyone caught
could be fined and sent to
prison.
Government is not very strict
in making sure that no-one
breaks the law. Some also
believe that this law
discriminates against
Hispanics.
Proposition 187
(1994)
Law to end schooling,
healthcare except emergencies
welfare benefits for illegal
immigrants.
In 1997, a judge said this law
was illegal.
Immigration
Reform Act
(1996)
This law doubled the numbers
of border patrol agents from
5,175 in 1996 to almost 10,000
by 2000.
Welfare Reform
Act (1996)
Legal immigrants could not
receive Social Security benefits
until they had lived in the USA
for 5 years. Illegal immigrants
could not receive welfare
payments.
Many state governments
continue to give welfare
payments to senior citizens
and children even if they are
illegal immigrants.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Proposition 227
(1998)
Californians said that Hispanics
must go to English classes. A
law had meant that children
whose first language was not
English must be taught in their
mother tongue, with around 80
languages being used in
American schools.
11 September 2001
After the Twin Towers were attacked on 9/11, the US
Government passed two laws that affected how
immigrants were treated. These laws restricted and
controlled the entry of immigrants into the USA. The
Government now carries out much stricter and more time consuming background checks before giving people visas to enter the USA.
Applications were now denied at the slightest hint of suspicion.
Border Security Act
(2001)
More money spent on
controlling who came into
the USA.
Ships going to the USA have
to give passenger lists before
arriving. Colleges with
foreign students have to make
sure that they are actually
attending college.
The USA PATRIOT
Act (2001)
By passing this law, the
US government are trying
to stop terrorists crossing
the borders.
Suspected terrorists can be
held for 7 days. If they are
charged then they can be
detained indefinitely.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Extension activity
Over the years politicians have done many things to try to stop immigrants
coming into the USA.
1.
Describe the ways in which politicians have tried to stop immigrants
coming into the USA. In your answer you should:


 describe what politicians have done to stop immigrants coming into
the USA
 give examples from the USA to support your answer.
2.
Study Sources 1 and 2 below then answer the question that follows.
Source 1
The best way to deal with illegal immigration is to stop new immigrants
coming into the country.
Security on the border between the USA and Mexico must be increased.
We already have high fences along around 100 miles of the border near
cities. More fences must be put up to stop the Mexicans cr ossing the
border.
We must also increase the number of border patrol agents. We have to
catch these people.
Source 2
We need to deal with all of the illegal immigrants who already in the USA.
The laws to deal with people already in the country illegally must change.
We must decide whether the millions of illegal immigrants already in the
USA should or should not be allowed to stay.
It is illegal to hire illegal immigrants. Anyone caught must be fined and
sent to prison. We must be very strict. We must make sure that no-one
breaks the law.
Sources 1 and 2 give different views about dealing with illegal immigration.
Study the two sources and write down what the differences are. You should
mention at least two differences in your answer. Your answer must be entirely
based on the sources above.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
President Bush’s plan
In 2005, President George W. Bush said that the US immigration
system was out of date. He suggested a Guest Worker Scheme. This
would mean that more than 12 million immigrant workers al ready in the
USA would get visas as long as they stayed for an agreed length of time
and they had a particular job to do.
Mexico slams Georgia migrant law
The Mexican government has condemned a tough new immigration law passed
in the US state of Georgia on Monday.
Presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar said the legislation discriminated against
Mexicans and that diplomats would monitor how it was applied.
The law, which will take effect next year, prevents illegal immigrants from receiving
many social services.
It will also require police and employers to report undocumented workers to the
Immigration Service.
Complex issue
The signing of the legislation comes amid deadlock in the US Congress about how to
deal with illegal immigration, as well as nationwide protests by worried Latino groups.
"The referred legislation incurs discriminatory acts against the Mexican population and
those of Mexican origin," Mr Aguilar said.
"It is a partial measure that fails to resolve the complex phenomenon of immigration
between Mexico and the United States in an integral manner."
Since becoming Mexico’s president in 2000, Vicente Fox has been pressing for
reforms that would allow more Mexicans to work legally in the US.
'Not anti-immigrant'
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, who signed the bill, said it was intended to ensure
that everyone who lives in Georgia abides by the laws there.
"It is our responsibility to ensure that our famous Georgia hospitality is not abused,
that our taxpayers are not taken advantage of and that our citizens are protected," Mr
Perdue.
"I want to make this clear: we are not, Georgia’s government is not, and this bill is not
anti-immigrant," Gov Perdue said.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
The law, which will take effect in July 2007, will also impose prison terms for human
trafficking and limit the services commercial companies can provide to illegal
immigrants.
BBC correspondents say the move has come at a difficult time in the US as there
have been country-wide protests over a federal immigration law currently being
debated in the Senate.
"It is a punitive bill," said the president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, Sara Gonzalez.
"This is a very complicated issue, and I don’t see any good coming out of this."
There are an estimated 11 million undocumented workers in the US.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4921000.stm, 19/04/06)
Activities
1.
Which state is the above news report about?
2.
How is the law in this state going to change? Mention two ways.
3.
Why is the Mexican government unhappy about this law?
4.
Read more about this situation on http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
US immigrants stage boycott day
More than a million immigrants in the United States have taken part in a day of
nationwide action to protest against proposed immigration reform.
Mass rallies were staged across the US as immigrants boycotted work or school and
avoided spending money as a way of showing their worth to the economy.
Called A Day Without Immigrants, the protest took place as Congress wrestles with
reforming immigration laws.
About 11.5m illegal immigrants live in the US, many of them of Latino origin.
The protests were aimed at persuading Congress to abandon the tough measures in a
bill passed last year by the US House of Representatives that includes provisions to
criminalise illegal immigrants and bolster border security.
A bipartisan Senate bill, currently stalled, would provide illegal immigrants a path
toward citizenship and a guest-worker programme long favoured by President George
W Bush.
But there is some way to go before the competing bills are reconciled and a
compromise reached. A number of US politicians say illegal migrants should be sent
home.
Some commentators say the emerging immigrant movement - the force of which was
evident at nationwide demonstrations last month - can be compared with the civil
rights protests of the 1960s and 70s.
"Everyone’s an immigrant here. The only real American is the Indian," Puerto Ricanborn Rene Ochart, a doorman in a Manhattan hotel, said of the campaign.
Despite Monday being a normal working day in the US, many businesses were forced
to close as workers in industries including agriculture, construction and leisure
withheld their labour.
Goya Foods halted distribution for the day, while Tyson Foods, the world’s largest
meat producer, shut nine of its 15 plants.
Mexican support
The biggest demonstrations on Monday were seen in the US cities of Los Angeles and
Chicago.
Some 400,000 people are estimated by police to have taken part in two marches in
Los Angeles.
Many of the marchers wore white - a colour chosen by protest organisers as a sign of
solidarity with the illegal immigrants, while others marched draped in US or Mexican
flags.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
In Chicago, police said 400,000 people marched through the streets and in New York,
supporters formed human chains at 1216 (1616 GMT) to symbolise 16 December
2005 - the day the controversial immigration bill was passed in the House of
Representatives.
There were similar, smaller protests in Miami and several other cities across the US.
California’s State Senate has approved what lawmakers called "the great American
boycott of 2006", describing it as an attempt to educate Americans about "the
tremendous contribution immigrants make on a daily basis to our society and
economy".
Melanie Lugo, a marcher in Denver, Colorado, told the Associated Press news
agency: "We are the backbone of what America is, legal or illegal, it doesn’t matter."
As well as staying away from work and joining marches, some immigrants protested
by working but buying nothing, while others joined church services, candlelit vigils and
picnics.
It is not yet clear what effect Monday’s protest action has had on the economy.
The Democratic governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, told the BBC he was
concerned the demonstrations would distract from the real issue - "the need for
comprehensive immigration reform".
"I would rather have those demonstrators go to each of the congressional offices...
and explain to their representatives how important this issue is," he said.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the president was not "a fan of
boycotts" and was keen to see the new immigration laws approved.
In Mexico, the home country of most undocumented workers in the US, thousands of
people took to the streets to express support for the protests in America.
Some waved banners in the centre of Mexico City reading "Migrants are honest
workers, not terrorists".
The marches coincided with the 1 May bank holiday, and many trade unionists also
voiced solidarity with immigrants in the US.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4961734.stm, 02/05/06)
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Activities
1.
Write a paragraph explaining what illegal immigrants did on 1
May 2006 to protest against a new bill to control illegal
immigration.
2.
How many immigrants took part in this event?
3.
How many illegal immigrants are currently in the USA?
4.
Read more about this on http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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US city gets tough on immigrants
A city council in Pennsylvania has passed what are said to be some of the
strictest local laws on illegal immigrants in the United States.
Under the law, businesses and landlords in Hazleton could be penalised if they help
illegal immigrants, and all city documents will be written in English.
The measure has divided the former coal town, which has seen a large rise in
Hispanic residents in recent years.
Hundreds of people on both sides protested outside the City Hall.
Police officers were drafted in to prevent any trouble after the measure was approved
in a 4-1 vote following a two-hour debate.
Mayor Lou Barletta proposed the law as a response to the city’s problems with violent
crime, demand for schools and services and hospital costs.
"What you see here tonight, really, is a city that wants to take back what America has
given it," said Mr Barletta, who reportedly said he had worn a bullet-proof vest to the
vote for fear of reprisals.
But one opponent outside the City Hall said it would make Hazleton "the first Nazi city
in the country".
The measure means that landlords could be fined $1,000 (£544) for each illegal
immigrant found renting their properties. Businesses who employ illegal immigrants
could lose their operating licences.
Other US towns and cities have considered similar measures as Hazleton, which lies
some 80 miles (130km) north-west of Philadelphia.
Similar local laws to tackle illegal immigration have been proposed in Florida’s Palm
Bay and Avon Park as well as the California towns of Escondido and San Bernardino,
the Associated Press reports.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/5180788.stm, 14/07/06)
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Activities
1.
Which US city is getting tough on immigrants?
2.
Mention two things that the city council plans to do to try to
control the number of illegal immigrants.
3.
How do residents in the town feel about the new law?
4.
Why did the town pass this law?
5.
Read more about this on http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
Mexico anger over US border fence
Mexican officials have condemned US plans for a 700-mile (1,125km) fence
along the two states' border, signed into law by President Bush on Thursday.
Mexican President-elect Felipe Calderon said the fence was "a grave mistake" which
would lead to more Mexican deaths on the border.
George W Bush said the new barrier was needed to curtail illegal immigration.
Correspondents say the Republican party hopes the move will secure votes in next
month’s mid-term elections.
About 11 million Mexicans are thought to live in the US, more than six million of them
illegally.
An estimated 1.2 million illegal immigrants were arrested last year trying to cross into
the US via the border states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Mr Calderon said he deplored the move because "the fence doesn’t resolve anything".
"Humanity committed a grave mistake in building the Berlin Wall," he said.
"I’m sure that the United States is committing a grave mistake in building this fence."
Outgoing Mexican President Vicente Fox called the plans "shameful".
Mexico has pledged to challenge the fence at the United Nations, having already
appealed to the Organisation of American States.
'Nation of immigrants'
In signing the Secure Fence Act 2006 into law, Mr Bush said his government would
tackle illegal immigration by means of increased funding and numbers of immigration
officials.
He said that remote cameras, satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles would also be
used to create a "21st-century" border with Mexico.
"Ours is a nation of immigrants - we’re also a nation of law," Mr Bush said.
"Unfortunately the United States has not been in complete control of its borders for
decades. Therefore illegal immigration has been on the rise."
However, he promised to balance the border plans with a temporary guest-worker
programme and moves to grant citizenship to some of the illegal immigrants already in
the US.
Those moves are opposed by many within his own Republican party.
'Not impenetrable'
The BBC’s Nick Miles in Washington says that many there query how effective the
fence will be.
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IMMIGRATION TO THE USA
TJ Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a union representing patrol
agents, told The Associated Press that it would not be enough on its own:
"A fence will slow people down by a minute or two, but if you don’t have the agents to
stop them it does no good. We’re not talking about some impenetrable barrier."
The BBC’s Duncan Kennedy in Mexico City says opposition to the fence has united
Mexican politicians.
They accuse the US of hypocrisy for enjoying the benefits of cheap Mexican labour
but not being prepared to offer Mexican people a chance to cross the border legally.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6090060.stm, 27/10/06)
Activities
1.
What plans did President Bush sign into law on Thursday 26
October 2006?
2.
Why were Mexican officials unhappy with this law?
3.
Why did President Bush want to pass the law?
4.
How many Mexicans live in the USA?
5.
How many Mexicans live illegally in the USA?
6.
How many illegal immigrants were arrested trying to cross the US
border in 2005?
7.
Most Mexicans enter the USA via which states?
8.
Read more about this on http://news.bbc.co.uk/
54
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
Economic inequalities and progress
The Declaration of Independence said:
…all men are created
equal…
Although this was written more than 200 years ago, today Americans
still believe that everyone in the USA is born equal. Everyone has the
same opportunities as everyone else.
The American Dream
Everyone has the same chances in life.
Everyone can go to school and college to be
educated.
Everyone can get a good job.
Everyone can earn lots of money.
Everyone can start their own business.
Everyone can become the President.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
However, Black Americans and Hispanics often suffer from inequality
compared to white people. In the early 1990s there was a lot of social
and economic inequality in the USA. However, by the late 1990s and in
the early years of the new millennium Whites, Blacks, Hispanics and
Asians have all made progress.
BUT there is still a large gap between Whites and Blacks and between
Whites and Hispanics. Not all Hispanics suffer from the same problems.
Mexicans and Puerto Ricans suffer from many similar problems as the
Blacks. However, Cubans have similar lifestyles to Whites.
Activities
1.
Draw a spider diagram to show what the American Dream is about.
2.
Copy and complete the following passage, using the words in the
box below.
Black Americans and ______________ often suffer from
inequality compared to ________ people. There was a lot of social
and economic _______________ in the USA in the early 1990s.
However, at the beginning of the new millennium all groups have
made ______________.
There is still a large ______________ between Whites and
_______________ and between Whites and Hispanics. Not all
Hispanics suffer from the same problems. Mexicans and Puerto
Ricans suffer from similar problems as the Blacks. However,
____________ have similar lifestyles to Whites.
progress
gaps
56
Blacks
White
inequality
Hispanics
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
Cubans
ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
Problem 1: Employment and unemployment
Levels of unemployment among African Americans and
Hispanics are higher than Whites. The chances of them
getting jobs in the run-down, inner city housing estates
are poor and many of them cannot meet their needs and
wants. Many African Americans and Hispanics have
turned to crime and find it very difficult to get a job
because they have a criminal record.
Unemployment (%)
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
1992
2000
2002
2003
White
6.4
3.5
5.0
5.4
Black
13.5
8.0
9.8
10.8
Hispanic
11.0
5.7
8.1
8.2
Unemployment has increased among all ethnic groups in the USA.
Blacks are twice as likely to be unemployed than Whites.
Unemployment affects Black people in the inner cities more than most.
High unemployment usually results in crime, drug abuse and gang
membership in the ghettos.
Many Hispanics find it difficult to be successful because they have
come from a Spanish speaking country. Some Hispanics may find it
difficult to fill in job application forms and find work. Hispanics are
less likely than Blacks to be unemployed but more likely than Whites.
Activities
1.
Unemployment rates are getting worse in the USA. Is this
statement true or false? Explain your answer.
2.
Draw a bar graph of unemployment in the USA. (Use Jan 2003
figures.)
3.
Do all ethnic groups in the USA suffer the same level of
unemployment?
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
How has the Government tried to solve problems of employment
and unemployment?
Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action programmes were introduced by the Federal
Government in the 1970s. Their aim was to improve the economic
position of Blacks, Hispanics, women and the disabled. Affirmative
Action programmes made sure that there were equal opportunities for
ethnic minorities, women and the disabled to gain access to educational
institutions and well-paid employment as well as for gaining promotion.
There has been a lot of disagreement whether or not Affirmative Action
programmes have been successful.
Yes?
Some would argue that it has. There are now fewer Black people
earning a low income. It has also helped to create a large African
American and Hispanic middle class. There are also more Blacks
earning higher incomes.
No?
However, others argue that Affirmative Action has not helped. For
example, Black Americans still have lower incomes than Whites. Some
even think that the situation has become even worse. Many White
Americans feel resentful that they might have been passed over for jobs
or university places, when they could even have been the better
candidate. Some members of ethnic minorities think that it has made
race relations worse.
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
Activities
1.
What was the aim of Affirmative Action?
2.
Copy and complete the following table using the statements below.
Did Affirmative Action work?
Yes






No
 Fewer Black people are earning a low income.
 Blacks have lower incomes than Whites.
 There is now a large African American and Hispanic middle
class.
 Many White Americans feel that they have been passed over
for jobs or university places.
 More Blacks are earning higher incomes.
 Some think race relations are now worse.
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
Problem 2: Poverty
Black Americans
In 2001, Blacks were three times more likely to live in poverty as
Whites.
Poverty rates (%)
Whites
Blacks
1990
8.8
31.9
2000
7.5
22.1
2001
7.8
22.7
Children are the worst affected by poverty. Nearly one third of Black
children live in poverty.
Poverty rates (%)
Whites
Blacks
Children under 18
9.5
30.2
Hispanics
The poorest Hispanics live in the ‘barrio’, which is similar to the
ghetto. Many face the same problems as Blacks who live in the ghetto.
Often barrios are located on the outskirts of towns.
The constant flow of Hispanic immigrants to the USA has also affected
the lives of those already in the country. Immigrants often work for
lower wages. Therefore, many Hispanics lose out on jobs to the new
immigrants, who businessmen would rather employ.
Hispanics have higher unemployment, poorer health and are not as well
educated as Whites; however, they are not as badly off as the Black
community.
60
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
Why do Hispanics usually do better than Blacks?
 Hispanics tend to be more successful than Blacks because of the
support they receive from their relatives.
 Many Hispanics set up their own small businesses.
 Many Hispanics are known to be very hard-working.
Although Hispanics have done better in recent years, on average Whites
still earn about $12,000 more a year.
Activities
1.
Draw a bar graph of poverty rates for Blacks and Whites in the
USA. (Use 2001 figures.)
2.
Draw a bar graph of poverty rates for children under 18.
3.
Explain the differences between poverty rates for Black Americans
compared to those for White Americans.
4.
Why do many Hispanics suffer from poverty? Give two reasons.
5.
Why do Hispanics usually do better than Blacks? Write down the
sentences that are true.










They receive support from their relatives.
Hispanics come from rich countries.
Many Hispanics set up their own businesses.
Hispanics receive extra money from the US government.
Many Hispanics are known to be very hard-working.
How is the Government trying to solve problem of poverty?
In 1996 the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was
introduced.
 People could now only receive welfare payments if they worked for
it.
 Single parents received a childcare payment so that they (mai nly
mothers) could go and work a 40-hour week for their welfare.
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ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS
 People could only receive Welfare for five years in their lifetime.
Does TANF work?
Many people argue about the success of TANF. Some people believe it
has not worked. Since 2000, more people are now living in poverty.
Those who do work, earn low wages. Although many families have left
Welfare, this is not because they found a job, but because they were
forced to. However, others think it has been successful. Many people
did find work and many families were better off. Fewer families are
now on Welfare and the number of single parents working has
increased.
Activities
1.
What did Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) do?
2.
Copy and complete the following table using the stateme nts below.
Does TANF work?
Yes



No



 The number of single parents working has risen.
 Many people did find work and many families were better off.
 Many families left welfare not because they found a job, but
because they were forced to.
 Those who work earn low wages.
 Fewer families are now on Welfare.
 Since 2000, more people are now living in poverty.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Social inequality and progress
Problem 3: Health
In the USA people have to pay for their healthcare.
Some people take out private health insurance for
themselves and their families to pay for their
healthcare. Often Americans get jobs where the
employer will pay this for them. Two-thirds of
Americans receive health insurance this way. Some
people work for companies that are very small and
cannot afford to pay this for their employees. Many
hospitals refuse to treat people if they do not have
private insurance.
Compared to the other groups, Hispanics are less likely to have health
insurance. This is because many of them are in low paid jobs and
cannot afford health insurance. Many are illegal immigrants and
therefore are not entitled to Medicaid.
Black males and Black children suffer the worst health inequalities.
Again the lack of health insurance cover is a major problem. Black
males are more likely to be unemployment than Whites, or if they are
employed they are in lower paid jobs than Whites. Therefore, they are
more likely to be uninsured or underinsured.
A poor standard of living in the ghetto or barrio can lead to health
problems (gang violence, guns, drugs, and alcohol abuse). The murder
rate is six times higher for Blacks than for Whites. The number of
Black children born with HIV/AIDS is three times higher than for
Whites.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Activities
1.
Explain two ways that Americans receive healthcare.
2.
Why are Hispanics least likely to have health insurance?
3.
Which two groups of Americans suffer the greatest health
inequalities? Explain why this is the case.
4.
Describe two problems that cause ill-health among Black
Americans.
How does the American government try to solve inequalities in
health?
Medicaid is a healthcare programme paid for by the US government. It
provides healthcare for 36 million individuals and families who have a
low income. These people are unable to afford healthcare because they
cannot afford health insurance payments. Medicaid provides at least
five basic services to needy people:





in-patient hospital care
outpatient hospital care
doctors’ services
skilled nursing-home services for adults
laboratory and X-ray services.
Who is entitled to Medicaid?
Families and children who qualify for Public
Assistance are entitled to Medicaid. This may
include old, blind, and disabled adults. Each state
decides who is entitled to Medicaid benefits and
what services shall be included. Some of the
benefits provided are dental care, ambulance services, and the cost of
drugs, glasses and hearing aids.
People from ethnic minorities depend on Medicaid. One in five non elderly Hispanics, African Americans, American Indians and Alaska
Natives and one in ten non-elderly Asian Americans receive Medicaid.
Without Medicaid, these Americans would not be able to afford health
insurance.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
The problems with Medicaid
Medicaid does not cover all treatments and many hospitals refuse to
treat people unless they have private insurance. Medicaid has too few
doctors and a high proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS, drug abuse or
mental illness problems.
Other changes introduced by President Bush
Prescription Discount Cards have been introduced for pensioners and
people with disabilities. This gives between 10% and 25% savings on
the cost of medication.
Health Savings Accounts give tax relief to people paying for health
insurance.
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following passage using the words in the box
below.
Medicaid is paid for by the ______________. It provides healthcare
for 36 million people on a _______ income who cannot afford
healthcare. Each _________ decides who is entitled to Medicaid
benefits. Some of the benefits provided are __________ care,
ambulance services, and the cost of __________ and hearing aids.
People from ethnic minorities depend on Medicaid. Without
___________, these Americans would not be able to afford healthcare.
Medicaid does not cover all _______________ and many hospitals
refuse to treat people unless they have private insurance. Med icaid has
too few __________ and a high proportion of patients with AIDS and
drug abuse or mental illness problems.
Medicaid
drugs
2.
glasses
state
low
dental
doctors
treatments
government
What changes has President Bush introduced since becoming President
in 2000?
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Problem 4: Educational attainment
Hispanic students have the highest dropout rates. 27 % of
Hispanics drop out of high school compared to only 7.3%
of Whites and 10.9% of Blacks. Students who drop out of
high school are more likely to be unemployed and earn less
when employed, compared to students who complete high
school. Unemployment is lower for people who have qualifications.
Whites reach a higher level of education than Blacks. African
Americans and Hispanics have fewer qualifications than Whites. Whites
therefore get the best jobs and are less likely to be unemployed than
Blacks and Hispanics.
Why do blacks do less well at school?
More Blacks than Whites do not complete High School. 79% of Blacks
graduate from High School. However:
 Schools in ghetto areas suffer a range of problems, such as higher
than average teacher shortages.
 Some people have negative attitudes towards education amongst
Black children.
 Schools in inner-city areas tend to have more disruptive pupils.
Disruption in classes causes problems for those who do want to
study.
 White suburban schools have more computers and staff than Black
inner-city schools.
 More Whites go to university than Blacks. Therefore, Whites are
more qualified for jobs.
Even when Blacks and Whites do have the same qualifications,
discrimination often decides who gets the best job. This is why Blacks
are twice as likely to be unemployed than Whites.
The number of Cubans and Puerto Ricans staying on and graduating
from high school is similar to the White population. Mexican
Americans tend to leave school very early. Mexicans are the least likely
Hispanic group to go to University.
Low educational attainment leads to poverty and unemployment. Good
qualifications are a route to success in the USA. However, it is only one
route to success for Hispanics.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Hispanics often work in small family businesses. Some set up their own
small businesses. Therefore, Hispanics, especially Mexicans, often have
jobs to go to either with family or friends of the family when they leave
school.
What is the government doing to try and solve the problem of poor
education?
The No Child Left Behind Act, passed in 2001, tried to raise standards
across all American schools, but especially in schools in poorer areas.
The law gave schools strict targets and schools were punished when
they didn’t reach their targets. Some think that this will only result in
pushing out the less able pupils.
Activities
1.
Draw a bar graph of school drop-out rates for Black, White and
Hispanic Americans.
2.
Match the correct head with the correct tail.
More Blacks than Whites …
Schools in ghetto areas …
79% of Blacks …
More Whites …
Whites are…
3.
graduate from High School.
do not complete High School.
more qualified than Blacks.
suffer from teacher shortages.
go to University than Blacks.
What did the No Child Left Behind Act try to do?
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Problem 5: Housing
For many American citizens, whether native or
foreign born, homeownership is their American
dream, as you can see from the following table
(figures from 1999); more Whites achieved this dream
than African Americans, APIs and Hispanics.
Home owners in the USA
Ethnic Group
White
Black
Asian and Pacific Islander
Hispanic
%
74
46
51
45
The Black community
The Black community is divided. There are really two Black
communities.
Middle class. These are Blacks earning high or middle incomes. Living
standards in this group have got better. Many have left the ghettos.
Many have similar lifestyles to White Americans.
Underclass. This group earn very low incomes. Many are single parent
families living in poverty in the ghetto. Many experience a lack of
education, which regularly leads to unemployment and crime.
Problems for Black Americans
Between the 1950s and 1970s ‘White flight’ occurred. This was when
Whites moved away from the inner-cities to new suburbs on the
outskirts of the cities. The inner-cities were mostly poor whereas the
suburbs were middle class.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Discrimination in Housing for Blacks
1. Many were not able to get mortgages, which prevented them being
able to buy a home. Twice as many Black mortgage applications
were refused than Whites.
2. The homes of many Blacks were often the target for mobs or
firebombs who were trying to stop them moving into their
neighbourhoods.
3. The government knocked down a lot of the old inner-city housing.
In their place they built huge housing schemes. These housing
schemes quickly deteriorated and many Blacks found them
difficult to get out of.
Blacks who did move out of these inner city areas moved to Black -only
suburbs where housing was cheaper than in the White suburbs.
Other ethnic groups
Many Hispanic families live in ‘White’ areas. The racism experienced
by Hispanics is nowhere near as bad as that faced by Blacks in the
USA. However, around half of the Hispanic population live in ghettos
or barrios.
America’s history of segregation has forced many people in ethnic
groups to live apart from White people. However, while Blacks live
apart because they are discriminated against, other groups often choose
to live in communities with their own people. A common language and
culture often make it easier for Hispanics and Asians to stay together.
Marriage between Hispanics and Whites is much more common than it
is between Whites and Blacks in the USA. White Americans seem to be
much happier accepting Hispanics into their families and
neighbourhoods.
What is the government doing to try to solve the housing problem?
Cheaper public housing (what we call council housing) is being built by
the government in areas outside of the city centres. The plan is to
prevent inner-cities being filled with ethnic minorities and the suburbs
being filled with Whites.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Activities
1.
Draw four pie charts showing home ownership for Black, White,
Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islanders. One chart has been
completed for you below. Remember to give each chart a title and
a key.
White American Home Ownership
26%
Own home
Do not own
home
74%
2.
Explain why there are two Black communities.
‘Black people have never suffered from discrimination in
housing.’
George Plant, Politician
3.
Look at the statement above. Explain why George Plant is
exaggerating. Give three reasons.
4.
Explain why other ethnic groups often choose to live together.
5.
How is the government trying to solve the housing problem?
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Extension
Study Sources 1 and 2 below, then answer the question that follows.
Source 1
Ethnic Group
White
African American
Asian and Pacific Islander
Hispanic
%
74
46
51
45
Source 2
The US Now
Blacks and Whites: Is it Racism?
Although the US is getting richer, African-Americans continue to earn
less than Whites. They have higher unemployment levels and fewer of
them own their own homes. A recent report suggested that more than
70% of white families own their homes, compared with about 50 % of
Blacks.
The unemployment rate for Blacks is 10%, compared with 4.4% for
Whites. Things are not all bad though. Black-owned businesses are
growing at a faster rate than White-owned businesses.
Some people believe that it is not just racism that causes this. Some
think it is because many African-American households are headed by
single parents.
‘Black Americans suffer much more poverty that any other ethnic
group.’
View of an American politician
Using Sources 1 and 2 above, give two pieces of evidence to support
the view of the American politician.
 Your answer must be based entirely on Sources 1 and 2 above.
 You must use both sources in your answer.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Problem 6: Crime and the law
Family life for many Blacks living in the ghetto is usually
one of single parent families. In 2002, 43% of Black families
were headed by women who did not have a husband or
partner. Only 13% of White families were in this situation.
Because of this breakdown in family life, many Black youths
turn to gangs for protection and respect.
Crime is very common in the inner cities, often involving young Black
males. Finding employment once you have a criminal record is very
difficult forcing many Black youths to continue with their life of crime.
Many African Americans and Hispanics turn to drugs because they find
it difficult to find a job in inner-city areas where they live.
Victims of crime
Blacks are more likely to be victims of crime including murder than any
other group in the USA. A Black person is twice as likely to be robbed
compared to a White, Hispanic, Asian or Native American person.
Blacks make up 13% of the US population but make up 46% of murder
victims.
Punishment
Black people are much more likely to go to prison than
Whites. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Blacks
were almost three times more likely than Hispanics and five
times more likely than Whites to be in jail. On 30 June 2005,
2,186,230 people were in prisons in the USA.
Drugs and gang violence
Violence on the streets of the USA increased dramatically in the 1980s
and 90s, especially in the inner-city areas. Drive-by shootings also
became very common. There were a number of reasons why this
happened.
 People lost their jobs so poverty was increasing.
 Gangs were fighting with each other to make profits by selling crack
cocaine. Wealthy gang members bought semi-automatic weapons and
those high on crack had no problem killing people in their way.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following diagram using the words in the box
below, showing how sometimes there is no way out of life in the
ghetto.
Family
Breakdown
___________
___________
___________
___________
Unemployment
Gangs
Crime
Drugs
‘Whites are just as likely to be victims of crime as Black Americans,
although Blacks are more likely to be victims of murder.’
Al Cheney
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
2.
Look at the sentence above. Give two examples to show that Al
Cheney is not telling the truth.
3.
Write a newspaper report describing the crime problems in the inner cities. Start by explaining why gang violence increased in the 1980s.
Remember, in a newspaper report, you should write in columns and
you must include:




A headline
A picture
Extension
1.
Study the information in the table below, then answer the question
that follows.
Number of jail inmates per 100,000 US residents
Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Race
Black
736
703
740
748
765
800
White
132
138
147
151
160
166
Hispanic
280
263
256
269
262
268
Using the data in the table above, what conclusions can you reach
about each of the following:


 the number of Black Americans in jail compared to White and
Hispanic Americans
 the numbers of Black, Hispanic and White Americans in jail
from 2000
Your answers must be based entirely on the information above.
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SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROGRESS
2.
Study the information in the table below, then answer the question
that follows.
Number of prisoners on Death Row
Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Race
Black
1,541
1,538
1,551
1,417
1,390
White
1,989
1,968
1,939
1,883
1,850
Other
71
71
72
78
74
Source: Capital Punishment 2004, November 2005, NCJ 211349
‘White Americans make up the majority of prisoners on death row.
Very few Black Americans are on Death Row.’
View of Richard Gore, Politician
Using the information in the table above, give one piece of
evidence to support the Richard Gore’s view and one piece of
evidence to oppose his view.
Your answer must be based entirely on the information above.
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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS – APIs
Social and economic inequalities and progress –
Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs)
Income and Poverty
There are few social and economic inequalities between Asians and
Whites. In some areas, (for example, income and qualification) Asians
are actually doing better. Asians are the richest ethnic minority group in
the USA. They have made progress in many areas since 1990. Asians
earn around $10,000 more than Whites.
Income
White
API
1990
$40,100
$49,379
2000
$45,903
$55,521
Slightly more Asians live in poverty compared to Whites, but about half
as many Asians are living in poverty as Blacks or Hispanics.
Poverty (%)
White
Black
Hispanic
API
1990
8.8
31.9
28.1
12.2
2000
7.5
22.1
21.2
10.8
After Hispanics, Asians own the second largest number of businesses.
However, Asian companies make the most money. On average, every
business will make $336,200 in a year.
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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND PROGRESS – APIs
Education
Asians are doing much better than any other ethnic group
(including Whites) in terms of educational attainment.
More Asians go to college or on to higher education than
any other ethnic group.
Health
In 2001, 18% of Asians had no medical insurance. This is only 1% less
than Blacks but 8% more than Whites. However, only 10% of Asians
required Medicaid in 1999, which is close to the level of Whites.
Activities
1.
Copy the sentences that are true.

 There are few social and economic inequalities between Asians
and Whites.
 There are many social and economic inequalities between
Asians and Whites.
 Asians are actually doing better in some areas.
 Asians are the richest ethnic minority group in the USA.
 Asians are the poorest ethnic minority group in the USA.
 They have made progress in many areas since 1990.
 They have made progress in many areas since 1990.






2.
Draw a bar graph comparing the income of Whites with the
income of Asian and Pacific Islanders. (Use figures from 2000.)
3.
What happened to the poverty rate of Asian and Pacific Islanders
between 1990 and 2000?
4.
Describe how Asians compare to other ethnic groups in education.
5.
Describe how Asians compare to other ethnic groups in health.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Political background
Great Britain and the USA
Settlers began arriving in the Americas at the beginning
of the 17th century. Some of these settlers were known as
pilgrims, who left England in 1620 with the hope of
finding religious freedom. The pilgrims believed that the
rights of all men who came to America should be
protected.
Ruled by Great Britain for the next 150 years, the different areas
(colonies) of America introduced different rules for themselves. Some
of these rules included free elections, and the right to trial by jury.
In the 18th century, the relationship between Great Britain and the
colonies of America began to collapse. On 2 July 1776, the colonies
voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on 4
July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was when
the 13 colonies declared the independence
from British rule. With the formal declaration
of independence made, the 13 colonies now
needed to decide how their country was going
to be run. The 13 colonies all had their own
laws and this meant that each state had its
own currency (money) and trade laws.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
The signing of the American Constitution
In May 1790, the 13 American states finally
agreed to the Constitution. Although the USA
was made up of 13 states at this time, only 12
took part in the discussions. This was because
the state of Rhode Island refused to send anyone
to take part in the discussions.
The American Constitution
A constitution is a set of rules that decides how a country is run. The
American Constitution is the oldest written constitution still being used
today. It is also one of the shortest, made up of only seven articles
(sections).
The founders of the American Constitution knew that they could not
include everything that they needed to run a country, so they wrote a
document to which changes could be made later. These changes were
known as the Amendments, which would later form part of another
document, known as the Bill of Rights. The first 10 amendments to the
constitution became law on 15 December 1791.
The first president
George Washington became the first President of the USA
on 30 April 1789.
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following timeline. Write at least one
sentence beside each date.












1620
2 July 1776
4 July 1776
17 September 1787
30 April 1789
15 December 1791
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Politics today
How does the Government of the USA work?
Today there are 50 states in the USA. The USA is
a federal state. A federal state is a central
government (known as the Federal Government)
and 50 state governments. The Federal
Government of the USA is based in Washington
DC.
State Government
Each of the 50 states has its own government and its own constitution.
The state governments make decisions on building new roads and
schools for their state. They also decide at what a ge you can get
married or drink alcohol and how much you have to pay on taxes. State
governments also have their own police forces. They also decide
whether to use the death penalty.
Activities
1.
Visit the following website: http://www.deathpenaltyinto.org/state/
2.
Choose three or four states. Find out the following about your
states:

 Does the state have the death penalty? If it does, how are
people executed?
 How many people are currently on Death Row?
 What method of execution is used?
 Any other information you think is important.



3.
Create a short presentation, in the format of your choice, in which
you will share the above information with others.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Federal Government
The Federal Government makes laws for everyone in the USA.
It has its own police force, known at the FBI (Federal Bureau
of Investigation). The Federal Government is also in charge of
relations with other countries, currency (money), the armed
forces and the postal service.
The constitution, written in 1789, decided the Federal Government
would have three branches. Each branch would be kept separate from
the other. This was to make sure that no one person would have all the
power.
1.
2.
3.
The Executive. This includes the job of the President, who runs
the USA. He does not run it alone. He has the help of various
government departments.
Congress. This is made up of the Senate and the House of
Representatives. It is their job to make the laws of the USA.
The Supreme Court. It is the job of the Supreme Court to make
sure that no laws are made which break the rules written in the
constitution.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Representation in the USA
People in the USA are represented by different people
both in their State Government and in the Federal
Government.
Federal Government
American people have three different representatives in the Federal
Government.
1.
2.
3.
The President
Senator
Representative in Congress
State Government
American people also have different representatives in their St ate
Government. Different states have slightly different ways of doing
things; however, in most states people will elect:
1.
2.
3.
A Governor
State Senators
State Assembly Members
Activities
1.
Describe the differences between the powers of State Governments
and the powers of Federal Government.
2.
Why did the constitution decide that there should be three
branches of government?
3.
Explain what the three branches of Federal Government do.
4.
Who are the three representatives that people can vote for in
Federal Government?
5.
Who are the three representatives that people can vote for in State
Government?
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Black Americans and political progress
Although Black Americans have achieved some political success in the
last 15 years they still do not have the same level of representation as
Whites. Black Americans make up approximately 13% of the US
population. This means that they should have 13 Senators. However, in
2005, they had only one. They should also have around 58 members of
the House of Representatives. They only have 42.
Black Americans also made some progress in the 1980s and 1990s in
the number of Black elected officials at local and state level. In the last
20 years the number of Black officials has doubled. Most of this has
happened in the South and the inner-city areas of the North and West.
This is where most of the Black population live.
Racism still exists in voting in the USA. This is why Blacks are under represented in politics. Blacks only have a chance of being elected
where there are large numbers of Black voters.
Activities
‘Black Americans are very well represented in American politics. ’
Clinton Williams, Politician
1.
Look at the statement above. Give two reasons to explain how
Clinton Williams is exaggerating.
2.
Where have Black Americans made the most progress?
3.
Why do they do well here?
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Why do Blacks support the Democratic Party?
Most Black Americans vote for the Democrat Party.
They tend to think that the Democratic Party is the
party most likely to consider their needs.
The Democrats spend more money on social welfare
policies, particularly those which redistribute wealth
to the poor. The Republicans, meanwhile, favour less government help.
Black support also dates back to the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was
introduced by the Democrats. This law guaranteed one person, one vote
in the US regardless of race or ethnicity. Before this, many Blacks had
not been allowed to vote.
Many Democrat representatives (not just Black) depend on the Black
vote to win their State or District election. This means that many
Democratic politicians will consider the needs of Black voters.
Activities
1.
Copy out the correct sentences.



 Most Black Americans vote for the Republican Party.
 Most Black Americans vote for the Democrat Party.
 The Democratic Party is the least likely to consider the needs
of Black Americans.
 The Democratic Party is the most likely to consider the ne eds
of Black Americans.
 Black support of the Democrats dates back to the 1965 Voting
Rights Act, which was introduced by the Democrats.


Blacks who have made recent progress in US politics
One reason why Black Americans are under-represented in US politics
is because many Blacks believe it is a ‘Whites-only club.’ They are few
Black role models in politics. There has never been a Black President or
Vice President. This often puts Blacks off getting involved in politics.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
US Presidents up to 2004
White
Hispanic
Asian
Native American
Black
43
0
0
0
0
However, in recent years a few Blacks have gained some of the most
powerful jobs in US government and politics. These include the
following:
General Colin Powell had a long career in the US army,
serving until 1993. He became President George W.
Bush’s Secretary of State in January 2001. He was the
first African-American to hold this high office in the US
Government.
Dr Condoleezza Rice became Secretary of State on 26
January 2005.
Barack Obama is the US Senator for Illinois. He is only the fifth Black
Senator to be elected. He is currently the only Black in the Senate and
is a Democrat. Two have been from Illinois: the other was Carol
Mosely Braun.
Activities
1.
Why do many people believe that US politics is a ‘Whites Only
Club’?
2.
Visit http://www.factmonster.com and complete a factfile on either
Colin Powell or Condoleezza Rice.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Hispanics and political progress
Hispanics are starting to become more involved in politics. However,
they are still under-represented compared to Whites. Hispanics make up
nearly 14% of the US population. This means that they should have
approximately 13 or 14 Senators. In 2005, they had only two. They
should also have around 59 members of the House of Representatives
instead of 23.
Why do Hispanics not get involved in politics?
 Language barriers stopped many Hispanics from getting involved in
politics. Until the 1980s, all voting information was printed only in
English. For Spanish-speaking Hispanics, this was a major problem.
 Many Mexican Americans living in the US are illegal immigrants
and therefore cannot vote.
 Others, who are legal, often move around the USA following jobs
around in the harvest seasons. They are never in one place long
enough to register or vote.
 Many Hispanics are there to earn money to improve the living
standards for their families back home. They are not interested
enough to vote.
 The Hispanic community have no high profile role models.
Hispanics and the major political parties
When they do vote, Hispanics usually vote for the
Democrats. However, in recent years more Hispanics
have voted for the Republicans.
Mexicans, being a poorer group, tended to support the Democrats.
Puerto Ricans, another poor group of Hispanics, also support the
Democrats. However, Cubans tend to vote Republican. This is because
Cubans are generally a wealthier group than other Hispanics and they
like the party’s support of low taxation and help for business es.
The influence of the Hispanic vote in 2004
Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the USA so their vote
is very important in those states where they live. Political parties are
spending more and more money on Spanish adverts. Hispanics are now
voting in greater numbers.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
‘Hispanic Americans are very well represented in American politics. ’
Clinton Williams, Politician
1.
Read the statement above. Give two reasons to explain how
Clinton Williams is exaggerating.
2.
How do the following prevent many Hispanics from voting?
Language barriers
3.
No role models
Jobs
Explain why some Hispanics vote Democratic while others vote
Republican.
‘US Politicians are starting to pay more attention to Hispanic
voters.’
Kerry Johns, Politician
4.
Read the statement above. What evidence is there to show that this
statement is true?
Hispanics who have made recent progress in US politics
The Hispanic community is the fastest growing ethnic minority
grouping in the USA. Although Hispanic progress in politics has been
limited, some Hispanics have made significant progress, holding some
of the most senior positions in US government today.
Carlos M. Gutierrez is the 35th Secretary of the US
Department of Commerce. He was born in Havana, Cuba
in 1953. He came to the USA with his family in 1960.
Mel Martinez is a conservative Cuban-American from
Florida. He was elected to the US Senate in 2004, and was
the first Cuban-American elected to the US Senate.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
Visit http://www.factmonster.com and complete a factfile on either
Carlos M. Gutierrez or Mel Martinez.
Asian and Pacific Islanders and political progress
Traditionally, the Asian population has not participated in politics. Th is
is changing slowly. More Asians are now standing as candidates.
APIs who have made recent progress in US politics
Gary Locke, a former Washington State Senator was the first ChineseAmerican Governor in US history when he was elected on 5 November
1996. On 7 November 2000, Locke, a Democrat, was re-elected to his
second term. He stood down in 2004.
Native Americans and political progress
Traditionally, the Native American population has not participated in
politics. Poverty and unemployment among the population has caused a
lack of interest.
Native Americans who have made recent progress in US politics
Ben Nighthorse Campbell was elected to the Senate in
1992.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
1.
Describe the involvement of Asian and Pacific Islanders in
politics.
2.
Visit http://www.factmonster.com and complete a factfile on Gary
Locke.
3.
Describe the involvement of Native Americans in politics.
4.
Visit http://www.factmonster.com and complete a factfile on Ben
Nighthorse Campbell.
Women and the US political system
In recent years the number of women elected to Congress has increased.
There are a record number of women serving in the 109th Congress: 70
in the House of Representatives and 14 in the Senate. However, women
make up 51% of the US population. Even although they have made a lot
of progress, women are still not well represented in the US politics.
Why are women not fairly represented in politics?
They don’t want to be candidates. They would rather spend time with
their families.
Most people in US politics are men. It is difficult for women to win.
Women who have made recent progress in US politics
Hilary Clinton, wife of former President Bill Clinton, is
a member of the US Senate. She campaigns for equality
for women. Some people think that she may become the
first female US President.
Dr Condoleezza Rice became Secretary of State on 26 January 2005.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
‘Women are very well represented in American politics.’
Clinton Williams, Politician
1.
Give two reasons to explain how Clinton Williams is
exaggerating.
2.
Why are women not fairly represented in politics?
3.
Visit http://www.factmonster.com and http://clinton-senate.gov
and complete a factfile on Hilary Clinton.
How can the people of the USA get involved in politics?
There are four main ways that American citizens can become involved
in politics.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Registering to vote.
Voting.
Joining or working for a political party.
Joining or working for an interest group.
Activities
Draw a spider diagram to show how US citizens take part in politics.
Registering to vote
Registering to vote in the USA is much more complicated than in the
UK.
In the UK, the local councils send out a form to every household in
their area. Householders are asked to check that everyone who is over
18, is included on the form. If anyone has been missed out, you are
expected to add that person’s name onto the sheet. The council also
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
provides a stamped addressed envelope allowing the householder to
send back the information free of charge.
In the USA, voters can register to vote at many different places;
however, the forms are complicated. In some states the poor cannot
even afford to get to the registration office. Many minorities are put off
voting because of the need to register to vote. Problems such as poor
education, language barriers, fear of criminal records checks or even
racism and intimidation put off many minorities from registering to
vote. Failure to complete the forms in the correct way may stop a
person from registering to vote before the deadline. Some Americans do
not have the educational ability or language skills to complete the
forms.
Voting
Only 60.7% of Americans turned out to vote in the 2004
presidential election.
Why do some people not bother to vote?
 There are lots of elections in the USA. Lots of people get bored of
voting so often.
 Some people don’t fill in the voter registration form because it is too
long and complicated.
 Sometimes the ballot paper is too long and complicated so voters
don’t bother.
 Some people just don’t see the point in voting. They don’t think it
will help them.
 Many people living in the US, especially Hispanics, are illegal
immigrants so they are not allowed to vote.
 The time difference in the USA might affect voters. Some people
believe from news programmes that a particular party is winning and
so do not see the point in voting.
Activities
1.
Explain why registering to vote in the USA is more complicated
than registering to vote in the UK.
2.
Draw a spider diagram to show why some people do not bother to
vote.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
What are the Government trying to do to increase minority
representation and voter registration?
The problem
The solution
The details
Many minorities are
put off voting because
of the need to register
to vote. Problems such
as poor education,
language barriers, fear
of criminal records
checks or even racism
and intimidation at
polling stations put off
many minorities from
registering to vote.
Registering to vote
should be made much
easier for people.
The Motor Voter Bill or the
National Voter Registration
Act of 1993, signed by
President Bill Clinton, said
that Americans must be
given the chance to register
to vote, if they want, when
they apply for a driver’s
licence. They can also
register in public offices
and at the Armed Services
Recruiting Stations.
Not everyone would
vote, or try to become
representatives.
The changes made have
tried to increase the
numbers of minorities
elected at Federal, State
and Local Government
through a process known
as ‘gerrymandering’.
Gerrymandering is when
boundaries are changed to
try and affect the result of
an election. It is a form of
Affirmative Action, because
it was an attempt to provide
Black, Hispanic and Asian
representatives. The
changes resulted in strange
looking boundaries being
drawn. This created a
majority of residents who
were from an ethnic
minority group.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
1.
Copy and complete the following table.
What did the government do?
The details
Americans can register to vote when:
 applying for a driver’s licence
 at public offices
 at the Armed Services Recruiting
Stations.

Boundaries are changed to try and affect
the result of an election.

This is a form of Affirmative Action.
Joining a political party
American citizens can get involved in elections in lots of
different ways. They can join a political party. By doing
this they can give money to help pay for the expensive
election campaigns.
They can volunteer to help during election
campaigns by doing a variety of jobs. They can
drive the candidate to events. They can hand out
leaflets and stickers at polling stations on Election
Day to try to persuade voters to vote for a
particular party. They can also help raise money by
getting involved in fundraising events.
Americans can also stand as candidates in elections. They
may want to be a local mayor or sheriff. Others may also try
to become a state senator. Some people may also try to stand
for president.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Activities
Complete the paragraph below using the words in the box underneath.
American citizens often join political parties. Party members give
____________ to help pay for the expensive election campaigns. They
volunteer to help during ______________ by doing different jobs. They
can ______________ the candidate to events. They can hand out
________________ and stickers at ________________ on Election Day
to persuade voters to vote for a particular party. They can help raise
money by getting involved in _________________ events. Americans
can also stand as candidates in elections. They may want to be a local
_______________ or sheriff. Others may also try to become a State
Senator. Some people may also try to stand for ___________________.
election campaigns
polling stations
drive
leaflets
President
fundraising
money
mayor
Joining an interest group
Interest groups try persuading people to support them to try to conv ince
politicians to change the law. There are lots of ways that people can get
involved in interest groups.
 They can write letters or send emails to their Senator or Congress
representative to try to change their mind.
 They can visit their Senator or Congress representative and try to
change their mind.
 They can write to newspapers.
 They can take part in a march or a demonstration. This makes people
take notice of the issue.
 They can sign a petition. Lots of signatures may convince a Senator
or Congress representative to change his/her mind.
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POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Guns
A major concern of many US citizens is the right
to carry guns. The US Constitution says that this
is legal. Gun crime is increasing in the USA.
Many people would like to change the law. Some
of these people have joined interest groups to try
and put pressure on the politicians to change the
law. Other people who are in favour of gun
ownership have also joined interest groups to try
to convince the politicians not to change the law. Many of these interest
groups will pay for TV adverts to make people aware of the cause.
Activities
1.
What is an interest group?
2.
Make a spider diagram showing the ways that American citizens
can take part in the work of an interest group.
3.
Make a leaflet for pupils in your school about gun control. It
should include information about the following:



 the gun debate
 interest groups
 how you can get involved in interest groups.
You may need to research this topic using the internet.
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RESOURCES
Resources
Blank map of the USA
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RESOURCES
Immigration Task
Minutemen are citizens who have taken
it upon themselves to patrol the US
borders and to confront illegal workers
in cities around the US.
The Government has also made a huge
investment in increasing border
security.
Opinion polls suggest that most
Americans are in favour of tighter
immigration controls.
Immigrants contribute to the economy.
For example, they need housing,
medical care, education, food, etc.
The USA is known as the ‘land of
the free’. People come in search
of the American Dream.
Many immigrants make little or no
attempt to become American and many
whites feel unhappy about this. For
example, living in East LA has been
described as like living in Mexico.
Immigrants do the jobs that noone else wants. For example, low
paid burger-flipping jobs. By
doing so, they allow employers to
keep wages down and therefore
the American economy is
competitive.
Some people argue that in the long
term, immigrants contribute more to
the economy than they cost.
Wages are being forced down
because immigrants will do lowpaid jobs. There is increased
competition for jobs, housing and
education.
A guest-worker programme which has
been proposed by President Bush. This
recognises the economic benefits of
immigrants.
The government is tightening
restrictions on legal immigration
especially on unskilled labour
from Mexico.
Thousands of illegal immigrants,
mainly from Mexico/Central America
enter the USA every year. 25% of all
illegal immigrants go to California. As
of this year, there is an estimated 11
million illegal immigrants in the USA.
There has been an increase in
racial tension.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
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RESOURCES
State Government Group Work Task
http://library.thinkquest.org/J10110221/
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
RESOURCES
Internet Research Help
Type in www.factmonster.com into your browser.
Find the search box.
In the search box, type in the name of the US politician that you want to
find information about.
You might find more than one ‘hit’.
Start with the first ‘hit’ to collect information for you fact file.
If you require more information, use the second or third ‘hit’.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: USA (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
99