American Government

Overview

The American system of government is based on ideas written into the U.S. Constitution. It explains how power is organized, how laws are made and enforced, and how rights are protected. Understanding it shows how the United States functions as a democracy and how citizens engage in public life.

Founding Principles

The nation rests on self-government (people govern through elected representatives), liberty (freedom and individual rights), and equality under the law. Government power is limited by the Constitution, and its authority comes from the consent of the governed.

These ideas, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, shaped the structure of American democracy and the protections in the Constitution.

Branches of Government

The Constitution divides the federal government into three branches to prevent concentrated power:

• Legislative: Congress makes federal laws.
• Executive: The President enforces laws and leads foreign policy.
• Judicial: Courts interpret laws and check constitutionality.

Each branch checks and balances the others.

Legislative Branch

Congress has two parts. The House of Representatives has 435 members based on state population and serves two-year terms. The Senate has 100 members—two per state—serving six-year terms. Congress writes bills, votes on laws, approves the budget, and can declare war.

Executive Branch

The President leads the Executive Branch, enforces federal laws, commands the military, conducts foreign policy, and signs or vetoes laws. The Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies support this work. Presidents and Vice Presidents serve four-year terms; a President may serve up to two terms.

Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch interprets laws and reviews them for constitutionality. The Supreme Court, with nine justices serving life terms, is the highest court. Federal judges are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate, showing shared power across branches.

Federalism

Federalism divides power between the federal government and the states. The federal government handles areas like war, treaties, and currency. Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. States manage education, public safety, and local laws, each with its own constitution and three branches.

Declaration of Independence

Adopted July 4, 1776, the Declaration announced independence from Great Britain. It affirms natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and states governments exist to protect these rights. People can change a government that fails to do so.

The Constitution

Written in 1787, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes government structure, defines powers, and protects rights. It includes a Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments—the first ten are the Bill of Rights. Amendments require approval by three-fourths of the states, allowing change while preserving core principles.