United States Government
| United States Government | |
|---|---|
| Federal Government of the United States | |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Federal constitutional republic |
| Constitution | U.S. Constitution |
| Legislature | United States Congress |
| Upper house | United States Senate |
| Lower house | United States House of Representatives |
| Executive | President of the United States |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of the United States |
| Established | March 4, 1789 |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Vice President | TBD |
| Website | [USA.gov USA.gov] |
The United States Government is a federal constitutional republic that governs the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. It is founded on the principles of democracy, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.
Structure
The federal government is divided into **three branches**, each with separate powers and responsibilities:
1. Executive Branch
- Headed by the **President of the United States**
- Enforces federal laws, oversees the military, and leads foreign policy
- Includes the **Vice President**, the **Cabinet**, and various federal agencies (e.g., Department of State, Department of Defense, FBI)
- Current President (2025): Donald Trump
See also: President of the United States
2. Legislative Branch
- Composed of the United States Congress
- Makes federal laws, controls federal spending, and declares war
- Bicameral structure:
- Senate: 100 members (2 from each state) - House of Representatives: 435 members, based on state population
See also: United States Congress
3. Judicial Branch
- Interprets the laws and ensures they are consistent with the U.S. Constitution
- Led by the **Supreme Court of the United States**
- Includes lower federal courts (appellate and district courts)
See also: Supreme Court of the United States
Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, serves as the **supreme law of the land**. It establishes the framework of government and guarantees fundamental rights through the Bill of Rights.
Federalism
The U.S. operates under a **federal system**, meaning power is shared between the **national government** and **state governments**. Each state has its own:
- Constitution
- Governor
- Legislature
- Courts
Elections and Voting
- Citizens elect the President every four years via the **Electoral College**
- Congressional elections are held every two years
- State and local elections are managed individually by each state
Political Parties
The U.S. has a **two-party system**:
- **Republican Party**
- **Democratic Party**
Other minor parties exist but have limited influence at the federal level.
Agencies and Departments
The Executive Branch operates through departments like:
- **Department of Defense (DoD)**
- **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)**
- **Department of Education**
- **Department of Justice (DOJ)**
- **NASA**, **CIA**, and others
Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent abuse:
- President can veto laws
- Congress can override vetoes and impeach
- Courts can declare laws unconstitutional
Fun Facts
- The U.S. Constitution is the **oldest written national constitution still in use**
- The federal government employs over **2 million civilian workers**
- All laws passed by Congress must be signed (or vetoed) by the President