The US constitution, forged in the aftermath of revolution, blends specificity with vagueness, formal entrenchment with interpretive possibility. Supporters argue that this mix of rigidity and flexibility allows it to protect its key features, such checks and balances, the separation of powers and federalism, while at the same time give provision for evolution. Yet its detractors point to the consequences, including a near impossible amendment hurdle that empowers unelected judges. They also point to the dual problem of, on the one hand, an overt precision that forces contemporary lawmakers to respect outdated practices and, on the other, a lack of clarity which creates the the very tension the founding fathers hoped to resolve. I hope you enjoy this show and find it useful. If you do, why not leave a lovely review wherever you download you podcasts. Oh, and buy the book for more A Level Politics goodness. https://amzn.to/3EUnOyl

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There are two conventions that are supposed to ensure that ministers act responsibly - collective and individual. In this podcast, I argue that collective ministerial responsibility remains intact, despite coalition, Brexit and the pandemic. Yet ministers are increasingly failing to take individual ministerial responsibility for their actions. While Matt Hancock resigned over breaking social distancing rules, Boris Johnson hasn’t. In politics as in life, standards are set, or not set, at the top. If you enjoy this podcast, check out the book! Available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_T3N9200TPEB2Q87Z64D8

Like the podcast? Then why not subscribe to The A Level Politics Show PLUS PLUS PLUS? In addition to the monthly free episode , you'll receive TWO additional podcasts each month. Once they are released, these bonus episodes will will appear automatically in your podcast feed. Subscribe now to PLUS PLUS PLUS for a fantastic price of £1.99 per month. Just click the following link to get started: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe Thank you so much for supporting the show.

While there is greater diversity in Congress, gerrymandering is ruining competitive elections in the House of Representatives. While presidents have been impeached and wrongdoing investigated, the rise of “Gotcha” politics prevents meaning oversight. And while Congress sometimes acts decisively, victims of gun crime and those who live in fear of deportation see little prospect that there is a Congress out that which works for them. 

Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.  Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.

In this, the last episode of the term, we focus on the similarities and differences between the UK Conservative Party and US Republican Party. Both of these parties share similar feelings about welfare and the economy, but operate in different political cultures, allowing the GOP greater ideological purity and forcing the Tories to act more pragmatically. 

Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.  Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.

While public bill committees lack the tools for genuine scrutiny of legislation, select committees do a pretty decent job of holding government to account. Perhaps it is time merge the functions of parliamentary committees so that ordinary backbenchers could have a genuinely important role in shaping the laws of the country. What do you think? Let me know by getting in touch on Twitter (@nickdesouza). If you like the show, why not pre-order my UK politics revision book. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398325538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FQ5PXFE1WJMJ8FXQMNJ3

Like the podcast? Then why not subscribe to The A Level Politics Show PLUS PLUS PLUS? In addition to the monthly free episode , you'll receive TWO additional podcasts each month. Once they are released, these bonus episodes will will appear automatically in your podcast feed. Subscribe now to PLUS PLUS PLUS for a fantastic price of £1.99 per month. Just click the following link to get started: https://anchor.fm/nick-de-souza/subscribe Thank you so much for supporting the show.

From the failure of Iowa to report its caucus results, to fraudulent claims by Trump of vote rigging, the integrity of US elections is in jeopardy. This episode examines an array of areas, including primaries, the electoral college, attempts at voter suppression and gerrymandering, to help students evaluate the question: Evaluate the view that US elections are democratic. The answer arrived at by many, sadly, will be no.

Enjoy the podcast, then why not subscribe to PLUS PLUS PLUS!? For just £1.99 per month, you will receive TWO additional episodes per month that will automatically appear in your podcast feed as soon as they become available. You'll also get access to the full back catalogue of A Level Politics Show podcasts. Furthermore, you can cancel anytime - no obligations and no hidden costs. Just lots of learning. Just click⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ to get started. If you like reading as well as listening, then you can also try my revision book, which can be purchased from ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.  Oh, and don't forget to leave a nice review wherever you listen to your podcasts, so that more people can find out about us. Thanks for your support.