United States Government

Overview

The United States government is a federal republic with a presidential system, divided into three distinct branches to ensure checks and balances. Its structure and powers are defined by the U.S. Constitution.

Key Facts

System: Federal Presidential Republic
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial
Elections: Federal elections every 4 years

Structure

Federal Level: National government
State Level: 50 states governments

Branches of Government

Each branch of government has specific powers and responsibilities, as established by Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution, creating a system of checks and balances.

Executive Branch

Leadership:
President of the United States
Key Powers:
Enforces federal laws, conducts foreign policy, commands military
Components:
Cabinet, federal agencies, executive offices

Legislative Branch

Body:
Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
Key Powers:
Makes laws, declares war, controls federal budget
Composition:
100 Senators, 435 Representatives

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court:
Highest court with 9 Justices
Key Powers:
Interprets laws, judicial review, final appeals
Structure:
Supreme Court, Appeals Courts, District Courts

Federal Government Powers

The federal government's powers are specifically outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, with certain powers reserved for states or shared between both levels.

Exclusive Federal Powers

Military:
Maintaining armed forces, declaring war, national defense
Foreign Relations:
Conducting diplomacy, making treaties, international trade
Currency:
Printing money, regulating its value, managing national debt

Shared Powers

Taxation:
Both federal and state governments can collect taxes
Law Enforcement:
Federal crimes vs. state crimes jurisdiction
Courts:
Parallel federal and state court systems

Federal Elections

The American electoral system includes various types of federal elections that determine national leadership and representation.

Presidential Elections

Frequency: Every 4 years
Electoral College: 538 total electors; 270 needed to win
Term Limits: Maximum of two 4-year terms

Congressional Elections

House: All 435 seats every 2 years
Senate: One-third (33-34) of seats every 2 years
Term Length: 2 years for House, 6 years for Senate

Federal Agencies and Departments

The executive branch includes numerous agencies and departments that implement and enforce federal laws and policies. View all federal agencies →

Executive Departments

State Department: Foreign policy and diplomatic relations
Treasury: Financial and economic management
Defense: Military operations and national security

Independent Agencies

NASA: Space exploration and research
FBI: Federal law enforcement and intelligence
CIA: Foreign intelligence and national security

Checks and Balances

The U.S. government system includes various ways for each branch to limit and control the powers of the others.

Executive Checks

On Legislature:
Veto power, calling special sessions
On Judiciary:
Appointing federal judges, granting pardons

Legislative Checks

On Executive:
Override vetoes, impeachment power, budget control
On Judiciary:
Creating courts, confirming judges

Judicial Checks

On Both:
Judicial review of laws and actions
Key Power:
Declaring laws unconstitutional

Additional Resources

Learn more about the U.S. government through these official sources and educational materials.