System of Government System of Government The United States is a federal union of 50 states. The United States is a federal union of 50 states. The District of Columbia is the seat of the national government. The District of Columbia is the seat of the national government. The Federal Constitution outlines the structure of the national government, its powers and activities. The Federal Constitution outlines the structure of the national government, its powers and activities. Other activities are the responsibility of the individual states, which have their own constitutions and laws. Other activities are the responsibility of the individual states, which have their own constitutions and laws.

National Flag The Constitution divides the powers of the government into three brunches the Executive, headed by the President:;the Legislative, which includes both houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives; and the Judicial, with is headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution divides the powers of the government into three brunches the Executive, headed by the President:;the Legislative, which includes both houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives; and the Judicial, with is headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution limits the powers of each brunch, and prevents any one brunch from gaining undue power. The Constitution limits the powers of each brunch, and prevents any one brunch from gaining undue power.

Washington The president of the USA is chosen in a national election for a four-year term of office, and may be re-elected for a second term. The president of the USA is chosen in a national election for a four-year term of office, and may be re-elected for a second term. He must be a native-born citizen at least 35 years old. He must be a native-born citizen at least 35 years old.

Congress The legislative Brunch,Congress, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each Senator is elected for six years and each representative for two years, with no limitation on number of terms. There are two Senators from each of the 50 states. One third of the Senate is elected every two years. A Senator must be over 30 years old and have been an American citizen for at least nine years.

the Statue of Liberty The House of Representatives has 435 members. A member must be at least 25 years of age and have been an American citizen for no less than seven years. The states are divided into congressional districts and the voters of each district elect one Representative to Congress. The number from each state depends on the states population. Both brunches of Congress must approve bills before they become law.

is headed by the Supreme Court, made up of the Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.