Historical background

The Declaration of Independence (1776) expressed the principles on which American democracy is based: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..." and "to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

The Articles of Confederation (1777) established the government as a loose confederation of independent states. This did not work well since the national government had no powers of taxation and was not strong enough to deal with the country's problems.

The US Constitution (1788) shifted power from the existing state governments to the federal government. It also outlined a new system of government consisting of three branches. American politics continues to be dominated by the tension between state rights and federal rights, and between the different levels and branches of government.

The levels of government

At the top is the federal government, whose responsibilities are defined in the Constitution. The second layer consists of 50 state governments which deal with matters not reserved for the federal government, such as education. The states are further subdivided into counties, cities and townships. American citizens may have to pay taxes to their local, state and federal governments.

The branches of government

Through a system of checks and balances, the three branches of the federal government prevent each other from becoming too powerful.

The legislative branch (Congress) makes the laws. It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Representatives serve a specific district, whereas Senators serve a state. The number of representatives is in proportion to the population of the states they represent, whereas only two Senators are allowed for each state. The Senate must approve the Cabinet members and the Supreme Court justices (judges) appointed by the President. Congress decides on the federal budget, can pass laws over the president's veto by a two-thirds majority and can even impeach the president. It also ratifies treaties and can declare war. The House and the Senate may reject each other's bills.

The executive branch (the president and the Cabinet) approves and enforces the laws. The president is elected every four years but may not hold office for more than two terms. He appoints a Cabinet, made up of heads of government departments, and also appoints federal justices. The President can suggest legislation and veto laws passed by Congress.

The judicial branch (the Supreme Court and other federal courts) uses the laws to settle disputes. The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution. It acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches in that it can declare laws enacted by Congress and the President unconstitutional.