Overview of the U.S. Government

Author: U.S. Department of State, International Information Programs
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world today and has served as a model for many countries in drafting their own constitutions. The enduring power of the U.S. Constitution can be attributed to its simplicity and flexibility. When drafted in the late 18th century, it was merely a framework for governing the 13 vastly different states along the Atlantic coast with a population of 4 million, yet its fundamental provisions were meticulously considered.
Content: The U.S. Constitution: An Immortal Document, Interpreting the Constitution: The Federalist Papers, The Executive Branch: The President’s Powers, The Legislative Branch: The Power of Congress, The Judicial Branch: Interpreting the Constitution, Landmark Decisions of the Supreme Court, A Government of Multiple Governments, The People’s Government: The Role of Citizens.