Waingels MOOC - The US Presidential Election 2016

WEEK FIVE: Did Clinton lose because she was a 'nasty woman' or just a woman? Commentators continue to argue over the impact, if any, that Hillary Clinton's gender had on the surprising final outcome of the election. Unlike the UK, America has never had a female leader. Some people believe, such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that sexism was a 'major , major factor' in the outcome. This is only compounded by some of the stories that emerged during the campaign that suggested that Trump had, in the past, demonstrated a less than respectful attitude towards women. TASK: Using this BBC article that summarises Clinton's own views (from her recently published book 'What Happened') as a starting point, research suggested reasons why the surprising result happened. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41244474   During your research, consider the impact of sexism, attitudes and stereotypes of women and the way that Clinton's gende

WEEK FOUR: Donald Trump and the Language of Politics   How far did Trump present a change from the norm?   Trump 'advertised' himself as something different. He wanted to offer people a break from the 'swamp' of Washington (as he called it) and the political establishment. Despite his millions, he tried to present himself as an 'ordinary American', a man just like the millions of voters who had felt disenfranchised and unrepresented by the (as they viewed it) corruption of the 'political classes'. Interestingly, many people link the outcome of the UK's Brexit referendum to a similar trend. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/brexit-eu-referendum-people-regretting-leave-vote_uk_5770e6b3e4b08d2c56397a46 )   TASK: How did Trump use language in his speeches that was different to the 'political norm'? And what impact would you imagine this had on the voters/outcome?   Find the text of or watch three 'conventional' polit

  Week 3: The US Political System The American system of government is very different to ours here in the UK. There are 3 different 'branches' of government, as shown in the diagram above. This system is designed specifically to provide a series of 'checks and balances', i.e. to ensure that there are always measures in place to stop one person or group of people taking total control and abusing their power.    TASK: Research the US Political system. Find out what the American system is, in comparison to ours in Britain. For each of these British ways of doing things, find how it works in America. After you have completed your research, comment below with the pros and cons of each system and which, ultimately, you believe is the most safe and effective. UK SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT = - First past the post voting system - The leader of the ruling party automatically becomes Prime Minister (i.e. voters do not directly choose the head of government) - T

WEEK TWO - The Predecessor Barack Obama was a historic President. He was also divisive, and remains so to this day. From 2009 - 2017, this Democrat President faced a number of crises and opponents that often threatened to derail his regime.  However, since he left office, the verdict on Obama's presidency has been very mixed. Research and explore online different opinions about Obama's successes and failures. These links will provide you with a starting point: PRO Obama: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/barack-obama-president-foreign-policy-reform-donald-trump-legacy-a7511471.html http://theweek.com/articles/597635/extraordinarily-complicated-successes-president-obama Neutral: http://www.npr.org/2017/01/19/510491692/the-america-donald-trump-is-inheriting-by-the-numbers ANTI Obama: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/7/assessing-the-obama-legacy-he-has-failed/ http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-civil-war-barack-obamas-poli

The US Presidential Election 2016 The election will, undoubtedly, go down in history as one of the most vicious, unusual and unpredictable elections America has ever seen. Behind the controversial debates and the FBI investigations lie many interesting trends and opinions that reveal much about the changing nature of modern society and contemporary political systems. In this MOOC, you will investigate the factual information behind the election and explore the many, many polarised opinions that were created.  In your work on this MOOC, you may well find yourself developing strong opinions and viewpoints about the political debates you will read about. This MOOC is designed to ignite your political interest, but please make sure your comments are respectful to the views of others.  WEEK ONE - The Candidates It is unlikely that many elections have ever been fought with two more contradictory opponents.  Make a list of the skills and criteria that you think a successful pol