"In the United States, politics function within a framework of a constitutional federal republic and presidential system."
This subfield focuses on the institutions and processes of the US political system, including Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
The Constitution: The foundation document of the American political system, outlining the principles, framework, and powers of government.
The Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, establishing individual liberties and limiting the power of the government.
Political Parties: Organizations that represent different ideologies and compete for political power through elections and governance.
Elections: Processes for choosing leaders and representatives, including presidential, congressional, and state and local elections.
Voting Rights: The legal provisions, protections, and controversies surrounding the right to vote, including efforts to expand or restrict access to the ballot.
The Presidency: The chief executive and head of state in the American political system, with various powers and responsibilities, including foreign relations, appointments, and veto authority.
Congress: The legislative branch of the federal government, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making laws and checks and balances on the other branches.
The Supreme Court: The highest court in the American legal system, responsible for adjudicating disputes, interpreting the Constitution and laws, and checking the power of other branches.
Federalism: The division of powers and responsibilities between the federal government and the states, including issues such as taxation, regulation, and social welfare.
Civil Rights: The legal and political efforts to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for diverse groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Foreign Policy: The diplomatic and military strategies and actions taken by the federal government to promote national security and interests, often involving international organizations and alliances.
Political Communication: The ways in which political actors and media organizations shape public opinion, utilizing advertising, press releases, speeches, and social media.
Liberal Politics: Advocating for individual freedoms, social equality, and governmental intervention to address social issues.
Conservative Politics: Advocating for limited governmental intervention, traditional values, and personal responsibility.
Libertarian Politics: Advocating for individual liberties, minimal state involvement, and free-market capitalism.
Socialist Politics: Advocating for a planned economy, wealth redistribution, and public ownership of the means of production.
Green Politics: Advocating for environmentalism, social justice, and non-violent conflict resolution.
Moderate Politics: Advocating for finding a balance between liberal and conservative policies, often promoting bipartisanship and compromise.
Neoconservative Politics: Advocating for a robust foreign policy, military interventionism, and a belief in the spread of democracy worldwide.
Populist Politics: Advocating for the interests of the common person against those of the elite, focusing on issues such as immigration, trade, and globalization.
Nationalist Politics: Advocating for the interests and sovereignty of the nation-state, often promoting anti-immigrant policies and protectionism.
Progressive Politics: Advocating for change through social and political progress, often promoting policies such as universal healthcare and education reform.
"With three distinct branches that share powers: the U.S. Congress which forms the legislative branch, a bicameral legislative body comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate; the executive branch, which is headed by the president of the United States; and the judicial branch."
"Each of the 50 individual state governments has the power to make laws within its jurisdiction that are not granted to the federal government nor denied to the states in the U.S. Constitution."
"Each state also has a constitution following the pattern of the federal constitution but differing in details. Each has three branches: an executive branch headed by a governor, a legislative body, and a judicial branch."
"At the local level, governments are found in counties or county-equivalents, and beneath them individual municipalities, townships, school districts, and special districts."
"Officials are popularly elected at the federal, state, and local levels, with the major exception being the President, who is instead elected indirectly by the people through the Electoral College."
"U.S. politics is dominated by two parties, which since the American Civil War have been the Democratic Party and the Republican Party."
"Since the mid-20th Century, the Democratic Party has generally supported left-leaning policies, while the Republican Party has generally supported right-leaning ones."
"Both parties have no formal central organization at the national level that controls membership, elected officials, or political policies."
"Almost all public officials in America are elected from single-member districts and win office by winning a plurality of votes cast."
"Suffrage is nearly universal for citizens 18 years of age and older."
"The notable exception being registered felons in some states."
"The judicial branch... is composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, and exercises judicial power."
"The U.S. Congress forms the legislative branch, a bicameral legislative body comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate."
"The executive branch is headed by the president of the United States, who serves as the country's head of state and government."
"Each state also has an executive branch headed by a governor."
"Officials are popularly elected at the federal, state, and local levels."
"The major exception being the President, who is instead elected indirectly by the people through the Electoral College."
"Each state also has a constitution following the pattern of the federal constitution but differing in details."
"Although other parties have run candidates."