| Description |
1 online resource (36, [1]) p. : col. ill. |
| Language |
English |
| Note |
Title from caption (America.gov, viewed July 31, 2008). |
|
"Posted October 2005." |
|
"Made possible by BP America." |
| Linking Entry |
Also available in Spanish or Chinese from HTML home page. |
| Summary |
The American system of government, begun as an experiment in liberty and democracy in 1776, has proven to be remarkably resilient and adaptable. 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. To a visiting observer, the U.S. government may seem straightforward: the Congress makes the laws and the President implements them. A closer inspection reveals a much more complex system of interactions and influences. As a republic, the ultimate power within the American system rests with the people. This power is exercised through regular, scheduled elections in which voters select the President, members of Congress, and various state and local officials. These officials and their staffs formulate policy, make laws, and direct the day-to-day operations of government. |
| Contents |
Overview of national, state, and local government in the United States -- Similarities and difference between the U.S. system of government and other forms of democratic government -- The federal government -- State governments -- Local government -- Elections and the electoral process -- Nongovernmental organizations and institutions that influence public policy -- Chart: Funding government in the United States -- Glossary. |
| Subject |
United States -- Politics and government.
|
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Democracy -- United States.
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Voting -- United States.
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Federal government -- United States.
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State governments -- United States.
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Local government -- United States.
|
| Indexed Term |
USA Democracy State governments executive legislative judicial federal government local government elections NGO nongovernmental organizations political parties american democracy law U.S. constitution media |
|
Governments State 'Local Governments' publication 'United States' Democracy |
| Added Author |
Braddock Communications.
|
|
United States. Department of State. Bureau of International Information Programs.
|
| Added Title |
How the United States is governed |
| Gpo Item No. |
0900-E (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
S 20.2:AM 3 |
|
