Overview of the United States Political System

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. A complete list is here. The list of original 13 States is here.

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

• The Legislative Branch consists of:
  • House of Representatives
  • Senate

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

• The Judicial Branch consists of:
  • The Supreme Court
  • Other Federal Courts

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