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America's system of government is one of the most copied in the world. In 1792, the US made the final transition to a democratic republic with a written constitution that holds supreme law over the land. The US is a federal system as well, with powers shared between the national, state, and local governments.
The President of the United States is the most powerful government position in America, but even he isn't all-powerful. All positions of power in the US are checked by others to keep any one part of the government becoming too strong. All power is derived from the people through their votes during bi-annual elections. Watch the video below to learn more about America's government.
While the White House is more famous, the Capitol Building is where most of the government action happens.
Leaders
Leaders
Donald Trump is the current President of the USA. He was elected in 2016.
Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker of the House, the most powerful legislator in the US
Mitch McConnell is the Senate Majority Leader, another very powerful legislator in the US
John Roberts is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the most powerful judge in America
Problems
Problems
The US is facing many problems as a country despite its status as the world's lone superpower. Immigration from poorer Central and South American countries is a divisive issue in the country. It's southern border is also a hot spot for illicit drug importation. The US is currently locked in a trade war with China because of unfair trading practices such as intellectual property theft, currency manipulation, and refusals to import many of the US's goods. China's rise a a power in America's sphere of influence has caused conflict as well. Recently this has expanded into election interfering and standoffs over arms sales to Taiwan.
Domestically, the US faces several difficulties. One is a rise in several health epidemics: obesity related illnesses and opioid overdose. The rise in obesity can be linked to America's generally unhealthy lifestyle. The opioid crisis is much more complex, but is partially due to the overprescription of the addictive drugs by doctors and the wanton importation of the drugs by Chinese companies.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes (typhoons), tornadoes, floods, wildfires, droughts, and blizzards strike the US every year. Generally the government helps people recover from these events, but certain Americans in remote places like Puerto Rico have found aid insufficient in recent years.
Freedom
Freedom
America is a very free country with a long tradition of protecting civil and human rights. However, its history is tainted with a legacy of slavery and racism that continues to impact the lives of non-white citizens in the country. Racial discrimination continues to be a problem that limits the political participation of certain groups of people.
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