In principle, the U.S. is a democratic republic, they govern themselves by choosing their leaders by secret ballot, and these leaders in turn make the rules. Americans started "governing themselves" as a nation on July 4th, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia by representatives of the thirteen British colonies in North America. That loose union of the states was replaced by the Constitution of the U.S. in 1789. This document (amended 26 times) is still the political foundation of the U.S. Being based on a written constitution, the U.S. government is committed in principle to the rule of law. To guarantee the rights of free speech, a free press, freedom of religion etc. There are three levels of government in the U.S. Local government (city/county), state government, and federal government. Here I will pay most attention to the federal government.

On September 17, 1787 39 delegates including names such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, signed the Constitution of the United States. Creating a new life style for the people of that time. Among the delegates most important issues were how much power to actually allow the cent

The limitations on and difficulties of law passing are very, very important. The split legislature creates a more complicated maze through which laws must find their way before being passed. First, a law must be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, the former having sole power to introduce laws concerning revenue. After the law is introduced, it must be approved by the other house, who may agree with, amend, or discard the law. Once both houses have agreed on the law, however, the President must approve it. If he does not, he may also amend it and return it to its originating house for reconsideration. If both houses then agree on the amended bill by a two thirds vote, it can be passed. The bill also becomes a law if the President does not return it to Congress within ten days (except Sundays) of his receiving of it. The labyrinth of Clerks, which is not even mentioned in the Constitution, makes law passing far more difficult, resulting in only the passing of laws that have been extremely carefully considered.

They started with separating the powers into three major, and equal branches of government. Each with their own responsibilities, The Judicary Branch, contains the Supreme Court of the United States, which we will not be discussing in this essay. The Executive Branch, which contains the Presidency, and the Vice President. Lastly, the Legislative Branch, which contains Congress, that is made up of the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

The Constitution is most of all a document of checks and balances: among the three branches of the federal government; and between the levels of government, nation and state. The legislative branch that has the power to make laws valid for the whole country. Powers like the regulation of taxes with foreign countries, the power to declare war, and the power to impeach the President are some of the other matters the legislative branch have to deal with. Congress has two chambers or "houses", the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of one hundred senators: Two senators from each of the fifty states. The senators serve for six-year terms. One third are elected every two years. The Senate's area of responsibility consists of to approve major presidentia

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Approximate Word count = 1531
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)