Federal government of the United States
National government of the United States, established by the Constitution.
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The federal government of the United States is the national government of the United States, composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Lore & Background
The U.S. government was established in the late 18th century, starting with the Continental Army and the American Revolutionary War. The government's powers have been debated since adoption, with periods of expansion, especially after the American Civil War, and periods of limitation through legislative action, executive prerogative, or court interpretation.
Reader's Guide
The federal government's significance lies in its structure of checks and balances among the three branches. Congress creates laws, the president can veto them, and the Supreme Court can invalidate unconstitutional laws.
The House has exclusive power to originate revenue bills and to impeach federal officers, while the Senate confirms presidential appointments and conducts impeachment trials. The government's powers are limited to those enumerated in the Constitution, with the Necessary and Proper Clause allowing additional laws. Its legacy includes the ongoing debate over federal versus state powers and the expansion of federal authority since the Civil War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal government of the United States?
It is the national government of the United States of America, established under the U.S. Constitution. It operates as a federal constitutional republic rather than a unitary state.
What branches make up the Federal government of the United States?
The system is divided into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch holds separate powers and responsibilities.
Where is the seat of government for the Federal government of the United States?
Washington, D.C. serves as the capital and seat of government for the federal system.
What is the legislature of the Federal government of the United States?
The legislative branch is a bicameral Congress made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Federal government of the United States (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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