Political System of the USA

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to the political system and society in the USA.

Federal Government

A system of government based on the Constitution, ratified in 1788, composed of three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government represented by Congress, which is divided into two bodies: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, composed of 100 senators, with two elected from each state for a 6-year term.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, composed of 435 representatives elected for 2-year terms based on the population of each state.

Executive Branch

Represented by the President and Vice President, responsible for implementing and enforcing laws written by Congress.

Impeachment

An accusation of misconduct against a federal officer, initiated by the House of Representatives and tried by the Senate.

Electoral College

The system by which the American president is elected, where citizens vote for electors who then vote for the president.

Melting Pot Theory

The concept that various cultures contribute to a single unified culture in the U.S., which is often described as a multi-ethnic society.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A key event during John Fitzgerald Kennedy's presidency, involving a 13-day confrontation with the Soviet Union over missiles in Cuba.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe for reconstruction after World War II, enacted in 1948 for financial recovery.

Cold War

A period of political tension between the USA and the Soviet Union, focused on preventing the spread of Communism, lasting until the 1990s.

Natural Resources

Resources such as fossil fuels, timber, and agricultural produce that contribute to the United States being a leading global agricultural producer.