40. The usa political system. Executive, Legislative & Judic. Branches of gov.

US is a democracy. The constitution, laws and traditions of the US give the people the right to determine who will be the leader, who will make the laws and what the laws will be. The constitution guarantees freedom to all. Am. polit. system is based on principles of representative government & individual freedom. President of the US is head of state, head of government, and of a de facto two-party legislative and electoral system. The federal government shares sovereignty with the state governments, with the Supreme Court balancing the powers of each. Legisl.branch is made up of elected representatives from all states. Only they can make federal laws, levy taxes, declare war, put foreign treaties into effect. It consists of Congress (The House of representatives(comprise lawmakers who serve 2-year term) + Senate(serve 6-y term)). The executive brunch.The chief executive of US is the President, who together with vice president is elected to a 4year term. They can be elected to only 2 terms. Powers of presidency are formidable, but not without limitations. President proposes legislation to Congress, can veto any bill, influence public opinion, appoint federal judges, issues regulations & derectives regarding the work of the federal departments & agencies, appoints ambassadors & other officials. Pr.is also a comander-in-chief of the armed forces. The judicial brunch is headed by the Supreme Court, specifically created by constitution. Federal judges are appointed for life or voluntary retirement. Federal courts have jurisdiction over laws & treaties, maritime cases,issues involving foreign citizens/governments. Supr. Court consists of a chief justice & 8 associate justices.