See all tags

America

The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States (US or U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five self-governing territories, and several other island possessions. At 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million square kilometers), it is the world’s third- or fourth-largest country by total area. With a population of over 328 million, it is the third most populous country in the world. The national capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.

Paleo-Indians migrated from Siberia to the North American mainland at least 12,000 years ago, and European colonization began in the 16th century. The United States emerged from the thirteen British colonies established along the East Coast. Disputes over taxation and political representation with Great Britain led to the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), which established independence. In the late 18th century, the U.S. began vigorously expanding across North America, gradually acquiring new territories, conquering and displacing Native Americans, and admitting new states; by 1848, the United States spanned the continent. Slavery was legal in the southern United States until the second half of the 19th century, when the American Civil War led to its abolition. The Spanish–American War and World War I established the U.S. as a world power, a status confirmed by the outcome of World War II. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in various proxy wars, but avoided direct military conflict. They also competed in the Space Race, culminating in the 1969 spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. The Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 ended the Cold War and left the United States as the world’s sole superpower: having immense power in global geopolitics.

The United States is a federal republic and a representative democracy with three separate branches of government, including a bicameral legislature. It is a founding member of the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States (OAS), NATO, and other international organizations. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. ranks high in international measures of economic freedom, lack of government corruption, quality of life, and quality of higher education. Despite income and wealth disparities, the United States continuously ranks high in measures of socioeconomic performance. It is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse nations in the world. Considered a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, its population has been profoundly shaped through centuries of immigration.

A highly developed country, the United States accounts for approximately a quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) and is the world’s largest economy by nominal GDP. By value, the United States is the world’s largest importer and the second-largest exporter of goods. Although its population is only 4.3% of the world total, it holds 29.4% of the total wealth in the world, the largest share held by any country. Making up more than a third of global military spending, it is the foremost military power in the world, and is a leading political, cultural, and scientific force internationally.

COVID-19: Are government resources better spent on public health or stimulating the economy?
Government resources are better spent on public health
The role of the state is to protect its citizens
Human life is sacred, the economy is not. The government should look after the health and safety of citizens first. If everyone is too sick to work, the economy's health won't matter.
Explore argument
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
Kanye West will split the Republican vote
Kanye West appeals to Republican voters
Having expressed his support for President Trump in the past, Republicans see Kanye as one of them.
Explore argument
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
There are no implications to Kanye West running for president
Kanye West cannot win the US election
Kanye has made his decision to put in a 2020 election bid too late to make a difference to the election outcome.
Explore argument
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
There are no implications to Kanye West running for president
Kanye West is simply promoting his new album, 'God's Country'
Kanye Wests's presidential bid is a PR stunt designed to promote Kanye West's new album, "God's Country". Predictably his presidential bid attracted a lot of media attention, which will be used to sell more record copies.
Explore argument
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
Kanye West will split the Democrat vote
Kanye West is strategising to put Trump back in office
The point of Kanye's masterplan is to keep his long time ally President Trump, in office.
Explore argument
Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?
Slow American political response
Putting the economy first
Prioritising economic growth at all costs has led to poor policy decisions.
Explore argument
Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?
Poor public health response
The FDA acted indecisively
The US Food and Drug Administration failed to act in the interest of the population.
Explore argument
Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?
Weak existing infrastructure
An exclusive healthcare system
The US healthcare system naturally excludes most Americans. Negotiating this situation during a pandemic confused policymakers.
Explore argument
What are the views on the US - China trade war?
The trade war is bad for China
Increasing tariffs on Chinese goods harm key exports
Since China is reliant on U.S. exports, large tariffs cause huge damage to the Chinese economy. China will lose the trade war because the U.S. will be able to sustain the damage for longer than China.
Explore argument
What are the views on the US - China trade war?
The trade war is good for China
China is more likely to win the trade war
China can win this war. It can last longer because China’s economy has more room to maneuver than the United States economy. Also, China can cause more damage to the U.S. by devaluing U.S. debt.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
Electoral fraud is affecting the outcome of the election
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. Increased postal voting due to the coronavirus pandemic will lead to tremendous electoral fraud.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
The Democratic party can only win by cheating on the ballots
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. The Democratic party under Biden's administration are rigging the election to achieve victory that will be illegitimate.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
Some individuals vote more than once to distort the outcome of the election
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. Some individuals vote more than once, either by visiting multiple polling stations or voting both in-person and by post.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
There is a well-documented tradition of voter suppression to disenfranchise minority groups
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. Some actors may use sophisticated microtargeting software to specifically focus on suppressing certain groups of the population.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
Media bias is responsible for "poisoning" voter opinions
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. Media bias via news outlets and digital platforms such as social media post statements that influence voter opinions.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are only partially accurate
Electoral fraud happens on a small basis
Claims that the US election is rigged are only partially accurate. Electoral fraud happens occasionally, but the incidences of it are highly isolated and rare.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are not accurate at all
Electoral fraud is extremely rare
Claims that the US election is rigged are not accurate at all. The claims of the Trump campaign regarding electoral fraud are often made without much evidence, and are therefore questionable at best.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are only partially accurate
Postal ballot fraud incidences do exist, but are isolated
Claims that the US election is rigged are only partially accurate. There are rare occasions in which postal ballot fraud incidences do occur. These events are isolated and do not occur frequently in the US.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are not accurate at all
Postal ballot fraud is a conspiracy theory
Claims that the US election is rigged are not accurate at all. Voters are far more likely to make mistakes when they cast postal ballots. Claims that postal ballot fraud exists are inaccurate and are based on conspiracy.
Explore argument
How do we think about the George Floyd murder?
Society creates the nation: George Floyd's murder exposes America’s deepening social cleavages
American racism does not exist
America is not a racist country. In every state blacks and whites live side by side in harmony. The current rhetoric is breeding a racism and hatred that doesn't exist. It is institutionalising the perception of a country wrought with division. And weaponising this false idea to sow discord. The version of society the rioters are creating, does not reflect the reality. This imaginary state has become a political tool in a fight against the rule of law. Proponents of this view include Daily Signal columnist Star Parker.
Explore argument
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
Kanye West will split the Democrat vote
Kanye West appeals to young, black Democrats
Polling suggests Kanye is more popular with Democrats than Republicans.
Explore argument
Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?
Poor public health response
Failings within the CDC
The CDC was responsible for providing coronavirus testing kits to citizens, and acted too late.
Explore argument
Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?
Slow American political response
President Trump chose not to act
The President claimed the threat posed by COVID-19 was exaggerated to avoid taking decisive action.
Explore argument
Will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for the US economy?
Donald Trump will be better for the US economy
Donald Trump has a strong track record of negotiating foreign trade deals
Trump has negotiated a number of lucrative foreign trade deals with China, Mexico, Canada and Japan.
Explore argument
How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate
The election is rigged because many postal ballots are not counted
Claims that the US election is rigged are very accurate. Many postal ballots are not even counted as the election is rigged.
Explore argument
How do we think about the George Floyd murder?
Society creates the nation: George Floyd's murder exposes America’s deepening social cleavages
The riots have exposed a contradiction in American values - a contradiction perpetuated by right-wing politics
America prides itself in being the 'land of the free,' and yet George Floyd's murder is one in a long list of black Americans who do not enjoy that freedom. The denial of racism in America by many right-wing politicians only perpetuates the grave injustice.
Explore argument
How do we think about the George Floyd murder?
Society creates the nation: George Floyd's murder exposes America’s deepening social cleavages
George Floyd murder has placed America on the brink of a race war
The murder has exposed America’s burgeoning race war. Groups such as American white-supremacist social network The Base, have ramped up recruitment efforts since the riots. These groups are unified by their rallying cry for a white-on-black race war and the collapse of society. The deepening civil unrest is an opportunity for a racially charged civil war. Proponents include historian Stuart Wexler.
Explore argument
How do we think about the George Floyd murder?
Our freedom is at stake: George Floyd's murder exposes a crisis of civil liberties
Stopping the George Floyd protests is unpatriotic
The problem with the police and military shutdowns of these protests is a constitutional one. It is a direct violation of the ensured right to free speech. The fact that these orders are coming from the President illustrates a dangerous shift towards a nation deprived of its fundamental rights. Once the right to protest has been taken away, our civil liberties hang by a thread; and so does what it means to be an American.
Explore argument
This page was last edited on Monday, 26 Oct 2020 at 18:18 UTC