United States of America

A federal republic comprising 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several territories, occupying most of North America. Its Constitution divides authority between the national government and the states.

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United States Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, establishing the federal government and defining its powers and limits. It creates the national framework that binds the states and establishes the branches of government.
Thirteen Colonies: The British colonies on North America's Atlantic coast that declared independence and formed the United States. Their political union became the starting point of the country.
George Washington: The commander of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. His leadership helped establish precedents for the new national government.
United States foreign policy: The goals and actions through which the United States manages relations with other countries. The country's military, economic, and diplomatic reach makes its external choices consequential worldwide.
Parliamentary system: A system of government in which the executive depends on the confidence of the legislature. Unlike the U.S. presidential system, parliamentary government joins executive survival to legislative support.
Federalism in the United States: The division of governing authority between the national government and state governments in the United States. It explains why states retain powers alongside the federal government.
American Revolution: The political and military struggle in which thirteen British colonies won independence and established the United States. The revolution transformed colonial resistance into an independent republic.
Abraham Lincoln: The 16th president of the United States, who led the Union during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. His presidency preserved the Union and made emancipation a central wartime aim.
United States dollar: The official currency of the United States and a major reserve currency used internationally. Its global use extends American economic influence beyond national borders.
Unitary state: A state in which the central government holds primary authority over subnational units. It contrasts with the constitutional division of power between the United States and its states.