Schools Politics class: How Donald Trump’s honeymoon turned sour so quickly

This article picked by a teacher with suggested questions is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.

Read our full range of politics picks here.

Specification:

• AQA Component 3.2.1.3: The executive branch of government: President

• Edexcel Component 3.4: Interpretations of the US presidency

Background: what you need to know

Ever since Franklin Roosevelt’s dynamic start in 1933, commentators have taken an interest in what US presidents achieve in their first 100 days. This article argues that in the case of Donald Trump, there is little to celebrate as he passes this milestone. His public approval ratings are at a record low.

There is widespread discontent at the consequences of Trump’s tariff policies, his federal spending cuts and the perceived over-reach of the government crackdown on immigration. As the constitution debars Trump from running for a third term, the impact of this on him personally is limited.

But if there is no improvement, it may have an adverse effect on his party in next year’s midterm elections. If the Republicans were to lose control of one or both houses of Congress, this would restrict Trump’s ability to achieve his legislative goals.

Click the link below to read the article and then answer the questions:

How Donald Trump’s honeymoon turned sour so quickly

For more detail follow this link: The 10 charts that define Donald Trump’s tumultuous first 100 days. This article is particularly useful on Trump’s use of executive orders — a key informal source of presidential power.

Question in the style of AQA Politics Paper 2

• Explain and analyse three factors that may limit the power of the US presidency. [9 marks]

Question in the style of Edexcel Politics Paper 3

• Evaluate the view that the most important factor influencing the power of the US President is their level of public support.

  You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30 marks]

  TIP: Important though it is to keep abreast of what is happening in the current presidency, you should also be able to evaluate the changing fortunes of earlier leaders. The article mentions Joe Biden’s loss of public approval in August 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the revival of Covid-19 and rising inflation. See this article for an analysis of how the economic ‘feel-bad factor’ impacted Biden’s political fortunes:

  How Bidenomics boosted growth but failed Americans — in charts

Graham Goodlad, Portsmouth High School