The United States is often referred to as a democracy, but it is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic. This system of government is based on the principle of separation of powers, with the Constitution serving as the supreme law of the land.
The term ‘constitutional’ signifies that the United States government is built upon a written Constitution. This pivotal document delineates the core principles of the nation’s government, including the functions and authorities of each government branch, as well as the rights and liberties of individuals. The Constitution establishes the structure of both the federal and state governments and imposes substantial checks on their powers to prevent any overreach.
The term “federal” means that the United States has both a national government and governments of the 50 states. This system of government is designed to balance power between the national government and the states. The national government is responsible for issues that affect the entire country, such as national defense and foreign policy, while the states have authority over issues that affect their individual populations, such as education and public health.
Finally, the term “republic” refers to a form of government in which the people hold power but elect representatives to exercise that power on their behalf. In the United States, citizens elect representatives to serve in Congress and their state legislatures and elect a president to serve as the head of the federal government. This system of government is designed to ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and represented in the decision-making process.
