2nd_semester_Overview of the United States Political System

The US is the oldest continuous democracy in the world. It was established in 1789, although not all features of the system were as democratic as they are now.

Key Facts

* The US is a Federal system. This means that power is divided between a central/national government and the States. The national government is referred to as the Federal Government.

* There are 50 States.

* The Federal Government has three branches/arms:
o Legislative Branch
o Executive Branch
o Judicial Branch

* The Legislative Branch consists of:
o House of Representatives
o Senate

* The Executive Branch consists of:
o The President
o The Cabinet
o The Federal Departments and Agencies

* The Judicial Branch consists of:
o The Supreme Court
o Other Federal Courts