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The legislative is also called the Congress of the United States. Congress has its seat in the Capitol and consists of two chambers. These two chambers consist of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are a total of 100 senators and 435 deputies

The tasks of the Congress is to legislate, and monitor the President.

In 2021 there was a storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters. -> five people have died.

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- Supreme law of the United States

- Drafted in 1787, ratified in 1788

- Establishes federal government structure

- Separation of powers: Executive, Legislative, Judicial branches

- Checks and balances system

Structure

- Preamble

- Seven articles

- 27 amendments

Amendments

- Address issues like slavery, voting rights, presidential terms

- Living document: can be amended and reinterpreted

Guiding Principles

- Foundation of American democracy

- Governs laws and actions of the government

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1. left: elephant -> Republican Party:

Generally supports less government involvement, favoring lower taxes, less regulation, and more personal responsibility. They often focus on national security, free markets, and traditional values.

For instance: Donald Trump

2. right: donkey -> Democratic Party:

Generally supports more government involvement in people’s lives, such as providing social programs, healthcare, and regulating businesses. They often focus on equality, climate change, and helping those in need.

For instance: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris (was the Vice President)

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The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These guarantee fundamental rights within the framework of a free and democratic society - based on the values of the Enlightenment. The Bill of Rights was adopted by the US Congress on 25 September 1789 and ratified by 11 states. This process was completed on 15 December 1791.

1. guarantee of freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the right to petition

2. right of the people to own and bear arms

3. no quartering of soldiers in private buildings

4. protection of person, home, papers and property from arbitrary search, arrest and seizure; requirements for search and seizure and arrest

5. In criminal proceedings, trial by grand jury except for members of the armed forces and National Guard; no expropriation without compensation

6. right to a speedy and public trial by a jury in criminal cases; right to call exculpatory witnesses; right to counsel

7. right to trial by jury in civil cases;

8. prohibition of excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment

9. no denial or abridgment of any right of the people not enumerated in the Constitution

10. all power not vested by the Constitution in the federal government or withdrawn from the states shall be vested either in the states or in the people.

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Supreme court

The Supreme Court is the highest judical branch of the USA. It is supposed to control the other powers, and ensure that they adhere to the law

-> As stated in the third Article of the Constitution, which establishes the Judical branch, the Congress is left to determine the shape and structure of the federal judiciary. This includes the number of Supreme court Justices.

-> Feder Judges can only be removed by the Congress. Usually they serve until their death - which is supposed to ensure that they apply to the law with only justice in mind, while not depending on electoral and/or political concerns.

-> The Supreme court rarely holds trials but rather interprets the meaning of a law, which then can be used by other courts.

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Voter turnout in the USA changes with each election. In presidential elections, about 55% to 75% of people vote. For midterm elections, usually, only 40% to 50% of voters take part.

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Libertarian Party:

Intervention in both personal lives and economic matters. Believe in personal freedom and limited government

Green Party:

Focuses on environmental issues, social justice and non-violence. Promoting renewable energy and universal healthcare.

Constitution Party:

Strict interpetation of U.S Constitution. Limited federal government, strong states rights and traditional family values.

Independent Candidates:

Sometimes, candidates candidate without any political party. They can have a mix of views.

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George Washington had 14 handwritten copies of the Bill of Rights made, one for Congress and one for each of the original 13 founding states.

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The Bill of Rights: Every Amendment, Why it's important, and How it limits the government

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One year before the U.S. presidential election, candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties start traveling the country to gain support and raise money. They also take part in televised debates to explain their ideas.

The election process starts with primaries and caucuses to pick each party's candidate. In November, the general election happens, where people vote for President and Vice President.

In the U.S., to win the presidency, it’s not just about getting the most votes from people, but winning the most states. Each state has electors in the Electoral College, based on its population. The candidate who wins the most votes in a state usually gets all that state's electoral votes. The goal is to get more than 270 electoral votes from different states. The new President and Vice President take office in January.

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Presidential Elections: happens every four years, where american citizens choose the President and Vice President.

Congressional Elections: happens every two years and determine members of Congress, including all 435 members of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the 100 Senators.

State and Local Elections: Voters choose governors, state legislators, mayors, and other local officials.

Primaries and Caucuses: happens before the general election to determine which candidates will represent each political party.

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Executive branch

The executive branch consists of the president and his Cabinet which is composed of the vice president and the leaders of 15 executive departments.

president: Joe Biden

vice president: Kamala Harris

The president is both the head of the state and the head of government. The Constitution gives him the executive power which includes the execution and enforcement of the laws.

The vice president is the second-highest official in rank of the federal government. As the president of the Senate the vice president has the authority to cast a tie-breaking vote. If the President is unable to perform his or her duties, the vice president must take over the presidential duties for the time being.

Some of the 15 executive departments are Treasury, Defense, Justice, Health and Human Services, Education and many more. The heads of the 15 departments are chosen by the president and approved with the help of U.S. Senate.