THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

The constitution adopted by the thirteen states in 1790 sets the basic form of government: three separate branches, each one having powers over the others. The ultimate power under the Constitution is not given to the President (the executive branch), or to the Congress (the legislative branch), or to the Supreme Court (the judicial branch). It belongs to "We the People", in fact and in spirit.

There are several basic principles' which are found at all levels of American government federal, state, county, local.

One of them says that legislators are elected from geographical districts directly by the voters.

Another fundamental principle of American government is that because of the system of checks and balances, compromise in politics is a matter of necessity, not choice.

Congress, the American Parliament, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 100 Senators, two from each state. The House has 435 members.

Congress makes all laws, and each house of Congress has the power to introduce legislation. Each can also vote against legislation passed by the other. Congress decides upon taxes and how money is spent. It regulates commerce among the states and foreign countries. It also sets rules for the naturalization of foreign citizens.

The President of the United States is elected every four years for a four-year term of office (8 years), but that's the maximum.

Within the Executive Branch, there are a number of executive departments. These are the departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Resources, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy and Education. The head of each department (called a Secretary) is appointed by the President.

The third branch of government is the federal Judiciary. Its main instrument is the Supreme Court, which watches over the other two branches. It determines whether or not their laws and acts are in accordance with the Constitution. The Supreme Court consists of a chief Justice and eight associate Justices. They are nominated by the President but must be approved by the Senate.

In addition to the Supreme Court Congress has established 11 federal courts of appeal and, below them, 91 federal, district courts. But the Supreme Court has direct Jurisdictions.

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