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US political systemWhat is the US Constitution?

The US political system is based on the country's constitution. Power is separated into different branches of government to ensure no-one has too much power. The Republicans and Democrats are the two main political parties.

Part of Modern StudiesWorld power: USA

What is the US Constitution?

Watch this video explaining the US Constitution and the different branches of US government.

US Constitution

The rights of the American people are written down in the US Constitution.

The Constitution of the United States of America
Figure caption,
The Constitution of the United States of America

American citizens have certain rights, which are outlined in the US Constitution.

The US Constitution, the oldest written in the world.

The US Constitution:

  • is the supreme law of the land which covers all citizens
  • establishes the authority of the Federal government
  • provides guarantees for the rights of US citizens
  • sets out the way in which the government of the US will operate

The US Constitution is the foundation for a vast structure of judicial decisions, statutes, presidential actions and traditional practices that have been carried out over the past 200 years.

There have been 27 amendments to the constitution which guarantee specific personal freedoms and rights.

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