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FAQs
What kind of government do we use in the United States of America?
While often categorized as a democracy, the United States is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic.
What is the basic role of the United States government?
A government is responsible for creating and enforcing the rules of a society, defense, foreign affairs, the economy, and public services
Who rules the US government?
The President
What are the 3 main types of government?
Our federal government has three parts. They are the Executive, (President and about 5,000,000 workers) Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and Judicial (Supreme Court and lower Courts).
Why is the government important?
Governments are necessary because they maintain law and order. Laws are necessary for society to function. Life in a society without laws would be unsafe and unpredictable.
What are the three main roles of government?
A government’s basic functions are providing leadership, maintaining order, providing public services, providing national security, providing economic security, and providing economic assistance.
What is the form of government of the United States 2022?
The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot.
What was the United States first government?
The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) were America’s first attempt to govern itself as an independent nation. They united the states as a confederation – a loose league of states represented in a Congress.
What is the structure of the American system of government is based on?
All State Governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all states uphold a ?republican form? of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.
Who can declare war?
The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has declared war on 11 occasions, including its first declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812. Congress approved its last formal declaration of war during World War II.
What the president can and Cannot do?
The Constitution explicitly assigns the president the power to sign or veto legislation, command the armed forces, ask for the written opinion of their Cabinet, convene or adjourn Congress, grant reprieves and pardons, and receive ambassadors.
Can the government force you to go to war?
It provides that the president can send the U.S. Armed Forces into action abroad only by declaration of war by Congress, “statutory authorization”, or in case of “a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces”.
Who can impeach the President?
The United States Constitution provides that the House of Representatives “shall have the sole Power of Impeachment” (Article I, section 2) and “the Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments ?
Our Government – The White House
Our Government – The White House The Federal Government is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, whose powers are vested by the U.S. Constitution in the Congress, the President, and the Federal courts, respectively. There are hundreds of Federal agencies and commissions charged with handling responsibilities as varied as managing America’s space program, protecting its forests, gathering intelligence, and advancing the general welfare of the American people. For a full listing of Federal Agencies, Departments, and Commissions, visit USA.gov. Elections & Voting Federal elections occur every two years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Every member of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection in any given election year. Federal elections are administered by state and local governments, although the specifics of how elections are conducted differ between the states. Learn more about Elections & Voting State & Local Government Under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, all powers not granted to the Federal Government are reserved for the States and the people. All State Governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all states uphold a “republican form” of government, although the three-branch structure is not required. Learn more about State & Local Government Stay Connected
USA.gov
Official Guide to Government Information and Services | USAGov An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Federal government of the United States – Wikipedia
Federal government of the United States “American Government” redirects here. For the textbook by James Q. Wilson and John J. DiIulio Jr., see American Government (textbook). United States federal governmentCoat of armsFormation1789; 233 years agoFounding documentUnited States ConstitutionJurisdictionUnited States of AmericaWebsitewww.usa.govLegislative branchLegislatureCongressMeeting placeCapitolExecutive branchLeaderPresidentAppointerElectoral CollegeHeadquartersThe White HouseMain organCabinetDepartments15Judicial branchCourtSupreme CourtSeatSupreme Court Building The federal government of the United States (U.S. federal government or U.S. government)[a] is the common government of the United States, a federal republic in North America, composed of 50 states, a city within a federal district (the city of Washington in the District of Columbia, where most of the federal government is based), five major self-governing territories and several island possessions. The federal government, sometimes simply referred to as Washington, is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, whose powers are vested by the U.S. Constitution in the Congress, the president and the federal courts, respectively. The powers and duties of these branches are further defined by acts of Congress, including the creation of executive departments and courts inferior to the Supreme Court. Naming Political system of the United States The full name of the republic is “United States of America”. No other name appears in the Constitution, and this is the name that appears on money, in treaties, and in legal cases to which it is a party (e.g. Charles T. Schenck v. United States). The terms “Government of the United States of America” or “United States Government” are often used in official documents to represent the federal government as distinct from the states collectively. In casual conversation or writing, the term “Federal Government” is often used, and the term “National Government” is sometimes used. The terms “Federal” and “National” in government agency or program names generally indicate affiliation with the federal government (e.g. Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service). Because the seat of government is in Washington, D.C., “Washington” is commonly used as a metonym for the federal government. History The United States government is based on the principles of federalism and republicanism, in which power is shared between the national government and state governments. The interpretation and execution of these principles, including what powers the federal government should have and how those powers can be exercised, have been debated ever since the adoption of the Constitution. Some make a case for expansive federal powers while others argue for a more limited role for the central government in relation to individuals, the states, or other recognized entities. Since the American Civil War, the powers of the federal government have generally expanded greatly, although there have been periods since that time of legislative branch dominance (e.g., the decades immediately following the Civil War) or when states’ rights proponents have succeeded in limiting federal power through legislative action, executive prerogative or by a constitutional interpretation by the courts.[2][3] One of the theoretical pillars of the U.S. Constitution is the idea of “checks and balances” among the powers and responsibilities of the three branches of American government: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. For example, while the legislative branch (Congress) has the power to create law, the executive branch under the president can veto any legislation—an act which, in turn,…
Constitution of the United States – Senate.gov
Constitution of the United States Constitution of the United States Preamble Article I Article II Article III Article IV Article V Article VI Article VII AMENDMENTS Introduction Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The positioning of Congress at the beginning of the Constitution affirms its status as the “First Branch” of the federal government. The Constitution assigned to Congress responsibility for organizing the executive and judicial branches, raising revenue, declaring war, and making all laws necessary for executing these powers. The president is permitted to veto specific legislative acts, but Congress has the authority to override presidential vetoes by two-thirds majorities of both houses. The Constitution also provides that the Senate advise and consent on key executive and judicial appointments and on the approval for ratification of treaties. For over two centuries the Constitution has remained in force because its framers successfully separated and balanced governmental powers to safeguard the interests of majority rule and minority rights, of liberty and equality, and of the federal and state governments. More a concise statement of national principles than a detailed plan of governmental operation, the Constitution has evolved to meet the changing needs of a modern society profoundly different from the eighteenth-century world in which its creators lived. To date, the Constitution has been amended 27 times, most recently in 1992. The first ten amendments constitute the Bill of Rights. Annotated Constitutions The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation (popularly known as the Constitution Annotated) contains legal analysis and interpretation of the United States Constitution, based primarily on Supreme Court case law. The Constitution of the United States of America, S.PUB.103-21 (1994) (PDF), prepared by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate with the assistance of Johnny H. Killian of the Library of Congress in 1994, provided the original text of each clause of the Constitution with an accompanying explanation of its meaning and how that meaning changed over time. Italicized text indicates words and passages of the Constitution that were changed or affected by amendments. Original Text Preamble We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article I Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Section 10 Section 1 All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Section 2 The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People…
U.S. Department of State – United States Department of State
U.S. Department of State – United States Department of State AP Photo September 7, 2022 Russia’s Filtration Operations Violate International Humanitarian Law The Russian government is potentially engaging in torture and forced labor at filtration areas. LEARN MORE LEARN MORE September 6, 2022 Trudeau’s five-day trip underscores the importance the Department of State places on bringing U.S. foreign policy to the American public and strengthening ties between the Department and community-based organizations, public and private sector partners. September 5, 2022 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated there is a high possibility that Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was accidentally hit by IDF gunfire. We welcome Israel’s review of this tragedy, and underscore the importance of accountability, such as prevention policies. September 5, 2022 The United States congratulates William Ruto on his election as president of Kenya, as confirmed by the Supreme Court on September 5. We also congratulate the people of Kenya on the conclusion of a peaceful electoral process. Leading America’s foreign policy to advance the interests and security of the American people. Understanding Food Security Food security is having enough safe and nutritious food to eat. Food insecurity can destabilize societies, increase hunger and malnutrition, drive migration and conflict, and cause severe economic dislocation. Greece Indonesia Vietnam Policy Issues Climate and Environment Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Arms Control and Nonproliferation Climate and Environment Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Arms Control and Nonproliferation ShareAmerica is the U.S. Department of State’s platform for stories about America and the principles that underlie U.S. foreign policy.
U.S. Government – U.S. Embassy in Argentina
U.S. Government White House Front Lawn (Photo: The White House) While often categorized as a democracy, the United States is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic. What does this mean? “Constitutional” refers to the fact that government in the United States is based on a Constitution which is the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution not only provides the framework for how the federal and state governments are structured, but also places significant limits on their powers. “Federal” means that there is both a national government and governments of the 50 states. A “republic” is a form of government in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise that power. Outline of U.S. GovernmentWhat makes U.S. government uniquely American…its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all… Complete version (pdf) About America: How the U.S. is GovernedThe American system of government, begun as an experiment in liberty and democracy in 1776, has proven to be remarkably resilient and adaptable. Complete version (pdf) USA Elections in BriefWhy do elections matter? Elections help ensure that power passes in a peaceful, orderly manner from citizens to their elected representatives—and from one elected official to his or her successor… Full Text (pdf)Executive BranchThe White House The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. The Cabinet The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General. The Department of State The United States Department of State (DoS), often referred to as the State Department, is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministry of other countries. The Department was created in 1789 and was the first executive department established. Legislative BranchThe House of The Representative The United States House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the United States Congress (a bicameral legislature). It is frequently referred to as The House. The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the United States Constitution. The major power of the House is to pass federal legislation that affects the entire country, although its bills must also be passed by the Senate and further agreed to by the U.S. President before becoming law. U.S. Senate The United States Senate is a legislative chamber in the bicameral legislature of the United States of America, and together with the U.S. House of Representatives makes up the U.S. Congress. First convened in 1789, the composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each U.S. state is represented by two senators, regardless of population, who serve staggered six-year terms. Judicial BranchThe U.S. Supreme Court The Supreme Court of the United States (first abbreviated as SCOTUS in 1879) was established pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution in 1789 as the highest federal court in the United States. It has ultimate (and largely discretionary) appellate jurisdiction over all federal courts and over state court cases involving issues of federal law, plus…
Our American Government | Congressman James E. Clyburn
Our American Government The foundation of our American Government, its purpose, form and structure are found in the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution, written in 1787, is the “supreme law of the land” because no law may be passed that contradicts its principles. No person or government is exempt from following it. The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot. It is a republic because the Government derives its power from the people. The purpose of our Federal Government, as found in the Preamble of the Constitution, is to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” In order to achieve this purpose the Founding Fathers established three main principles on which our Government is based: Inherent rights: Rights that anyone living in America has; Self Government: Government by the people; and Separation of Powers: Branches of government with different powers. For more information, please visit Ben’s Guide to US Government for Kids
America's Founding Documents – National Archives |
America’s Founding Documents These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Declaration of Independence Constitution Bill of Rights Shop the Archives Store Visit the Charters of Freedom The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom Located on the upper level of the National Archives museum, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. Designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, the ornate Rotunda with its soaring domed ceiling also features two murals by Barry Faulkner, depicting fictional scenes of the “presentations” of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Explore the Founders Online Founders Online Through Founders Online, you can read and search through thousands of documents and records to and from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison and see firsthand the growth of democracy and the birth of the Republic. Their letters and journals are a kind of “first draft” of the Charters of Freedom. View Other Milestone Documents Milestone Documents Milestone documents are primary source documents that highlight pivotal moments in the course of American history or government. They are some of the most-viewed and sought-out documents in the holdings of the National Archives.