What type of government runs the United States?
The United States is a federal republic with a presidential system. The American political system, defined by the 1787 Constitution, is based on three fundamental principles: democracy, republic, and federalism.
A System Based on the 1787 Constitution
The American Constitution of 1787 establishes the framework of the political system of the United States. This fundamental text organizes powers and defines the relationships between the federal state and member states.
The Three Principles of the American System
- Democracy: power derives from the people through voting and representation
- Republic: a representative system with election of leaders
- Federalism: sharing of powers between the federal state and the 50 states
The Presidential System in Practice
The President of the United States combines the functions of head of state and head of government. He directs the executive branch facing Congress (legislative) and the Supreme Court (judicial), in a system of strict separation of powers.