Politics of the United States

Political System of the United States

New York State Senate chamber

SF City Hall Election Day 2018

Boston City Hall exterior 02

Election Day 2020 (50564518207)

Suffragists Parade Down Fifth Avenue, 1917

Politics of the United States operates under a federal system of government, meaning that both the national (federal) government and the governments of the 50 states share power. The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for federal government, comprising three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Federal Government

The federal government is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, whose powers are vested by the U.S. Constitution in the United States Congress, the President of the United States, and the federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, 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.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Congress has the sole authority to enact legislation, declare war, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, and control the federal budget.

• United States Senate: Comprises 100 senators, two from each state, serving six-year terms. The Vice President of the United States serves as the Senate's presiding officer.
• United States House of Representatives: Consists of 435 representatives, who are elected to two-year terms. The number of representatives each state has is determined by its population.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the President of the United States, who acts as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The president is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court of the United States and lower federal courts. The Supreme Court has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and reviewing laws to ensure they comply with constitutional standards.

State Government

Each of the 50 states has its own constitution and government, mirroring the federal structure with three branches: executive (headed by a governor), legislative, and judicial. State governments have jurisdiction over matters that are not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution.

Political Parties

The United States has a two-party system, with the Democratic Party and the Republican Party being the two major political parties. Third parties, such as the Libertarian Party, Green Party, and others, also exist but have not had the same political influence as the two major parties.

Elections and Voting

Elections in the United States are held for government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. At the national level, the president is elected indirectly by the people through the Electoral College. Members of Congress are elected directly by the people of the states they represent. State and local elections vary in their processes and regulations.

Political Culture

The political culture of the United States is characterized by a commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, democracy, and individualism. American political ideology tends to vary across the political spectrum, from liberal to conservative, with significant emphasis on the rights of the individual.

Challenges and Criticisms

The politics of the United States face numerous challenges and criticisms, including political polarization, campaign finance issues, lobbying, and the influence of special interest groups. Additionally, the electoral system, particularly the Electoral College, has been a subject of debate and controversy.