U.S. Government (2024)

By U.S. Mission Argentina

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.

• Outline of U.S. Government
• About America: How the U.S. is Governed
• USA Elections in Brief
• Executive Branch
• Legislative Branch
• Judicial Branch
• State & Local Governments