Federal government of the United States

This article describes the government of the United States. For political issues, see politics of the United States.

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The government of the United States, established by the U.S. Constitution, is a federal republic of 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and many insular areas, the largest of which are Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. The basic laws of the United States are set down in major federal legislation, such as the U.S. Code. The federal government consists of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The federal legal system is based on statutory law, while most state and territorial law is based on English common law, with the exception of Louisiana (based on the Napoleonic Code due to its time as a French colony) and Puerto Rico (based on Spanish law). The United States accepts compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction, with many reservations.

Related Topics:
U.S. Constitution - Federal republic - U.S. states - District of Columbia - Insular area - Puerto Rico - U.S. Virgin Islands - American Samoa - Guam - Laws of the United States - Federal legislation - U.S. Code - Executive - Legislative - Judicial branch - Statutory law - Common law - Louisiana - Napoleonic Code - French colony - Spanish - International Court of Justice

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Due to its economic and military strength, the federal government of the United States, the world's sole remaining superpower, is generally considered the most powerful in the world. As such, its leader, the President of the United States, is frequently referred to as "the most powerful man in the world." The President of the United States also is generally among the most widely-recognized public figures in all corners of the world.

Related Topics:
Superpower - President of the United States

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