Introduction to USA Politics

The United States of America is considered one of the superpowers of the world because of its military power and technological advancement. But the primary factor for its position as a global leader in its political development and advanced political economy. As a federal republic, the Unites State is led but the president, the congress, and deferral courts who share power as stipulated in the 1787 constitution from the founding fathers. The federal governments lead alongside state governments in a power-sharing manner.

Also, the president is the head of the executive branch. The executive can formally work independently of both the judiciary and the legislature. The president has advisers as the cabinet led by the vice-president and heads of executive departments. There are two chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, who carry legislative power. The judiciary is responsible for exercising judicial authorities, and its primary function is to interpret the Constitution of the US, and federal laws as well as regulations. It resolved disputes arising between the executive and braches of the legislature.

One of the major defining aspects of US politics is having two political parties only, the Democratic and the Republican Parties. Even though there are many other parties, there two have remained dominant for ages; since the Civil War. The Democratic Party is also referred to as the center-left liberal party while the Republican is called center-right conservative.

Political advancement is among the significant aspects describing American politics. Several features set it apart from other developed governments. For instance, higher power is given to the upper house containing the legislature; the supreme court holds scope of powers too. Apart from this, the system has a definite power separation between the legislature and the executive. Then only two political parties are dominant, which is not very common in many states. It is right to say the USA has fully matured politically, which is it has so many opportunities both socially and economically. Besides, third parties have far less power; hence they do not influence the countries politics as opposed to many other states. This has something to do with stringent historical controls inform of state and federal laws, informal media prohibitions as well as winner-take-all elections.

Development of US Politics

US politics is so advanced that a winner can lose an election if they lost the popular vote. It stands as one of the most democratic states of the world, having been independent since the late 1700s. Today, the economic dominance of the nation is attributed to its political stability.

America has remained with a vibrant political culture over the years, which has attracted talented and ambitious young minds, giving them opportunities to change society. African exceptionalism some from the following factors:

- Suffrage. This was the most comprehensive political system across many nations that called for a more who own a specific amount of property to vote. In other words, no one was allowed to the ballots unless the proved ownership of some features. For the British men, less than 20% we eligible to vote while most of while 

- Americans could vote easily. However, where the republic was founded, only 6% of Americans had voting rights. Even though democracy was apparent, there were individual favors towards social elites. The difference based on status sharply decreased with the American Revolution.

- Power of elected bodies within colonies. Like any other nation at the time, colonies served a crucial role in supplying raw material. Hence, they were strictly under the rule of the government. However, elected bodies, especially the assemblies and county governments, made crucial decisions regarding a wide array of public and private businesses. Significant issues of concern affecting the public included land grants, commercial subsidies, and taxations. There were also issues of road oversight, poor relief, taverns, and school. Private lawsuits were frequent and very many, which forced many Americans to spend a great deal of time in courts. Local judges and juries handle legal affairs with the help of trained lawyers, as such, legal professional expanded rapidly as it had vast opportunities at the time. The role of lawyers in politics becomes apparent; they dominated John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson record the field.

- The position of North American colonies. The colonies were exceptional in the world. The main reason was the growth of the representation of different groups. It was a well-represented system, contrary to Europe, where royal courts, aristocratic families, and significant churches controlled everything. The democracy in the American political culture welcomed merchants, landlords, petty farmers, and artisans. Also, every denomination was represented, including Quakers, Germans, Anglican, Presbyterians, Yankees, and many more. More than 90% of the representatives came from and lived in their districts, far from the UK scenario were it, as usual, having an absentee Member of Parliament.

- Republicanism was adopted quickly. American becomes immediately attracted to the model, which emphasized equal rights, and it was quickly adopted. The model also stressed the need for virtuous citizens, evils of corruption, luxury, and aristocracy; hence many become fascinated with a brighter future it promised.

Dominant ideology

For many decades, republicanism has remained in the dominant ideology, along with a type of classical liberalism. It was sealed with essential documents such as the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Constitution (1787), The Federal Papers (1788), and the Bill of Rights (1791), among many. The American Ideology contains the following main sections:

- Civic duty that describes the responsibilities of citizens in supporting the government.

- Democracy. Citizens many changes a government through elections, and the same government is responsible for its citizens.

- Equality in laws. No person is under the law; hence no laws should give special privileges to anyone.

- Religious freedom. The government has no control over religion. It can neither support nor suppress.

- Freedom of speech. A marketplace of ideas. Everyone is free to speak their minds without any consequences from the governments.

These have been the pillars that guide American politics since independence. It has grown to be one of the major countries in the world through the practice of democracy. Today, the USA holds the same position as having one of the most advanced political systems in the world.

Author: James Hamilton