Politics of the United States
The processes, institutions, parties, and ideas through which political power is organized and exercised in the United States.
United States Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, establishing the federal government and defining its powers and limits. It sets the basic rules and boundaries for political institutions.
United States Congress: The bicameral federal legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress writes federal laws, controls spending, and oversees the executive branch.
Democratic Party (United States): A major United States political party founded in the early nineteenth century, with a broad and changing coalition. Its candidates and factions compete for office and influence national policy.
American Revolution: The political and military struggle in which thirteen British colonies won independence and formed the United States. Independence created the political problem of designing a national republic.
United States public policy: Government laws, regulations, and programs addressing public issues in the United States. Political bargaining determines which problems receive government action and how.
Federalism in the United States: A system dividing governing authority between the United States federal government and state governments. Shared authority makes national and state politics interdependent.
Presidency of the United States: The federal executive office held by the president, who serves as head of state and head of government. Presidential authority and limits are central to national political conflict.
Republican Party (United States): A major United States political party founded in 1854, with a broad and changing coalition. Its candidates and factions form the other dominant force in national competition.
Constitutional Convention (United States): The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia that drafted the United States Constitution. Its compromises established the federal structure and representation rules.
Civil rights movement: A broad United States movement seeking to end racial segregation and secure equal rights, especially during the mid-twentieth century. Organized pressure changed laws, party coalitions, and federal responsibilities.