Лекция: The American System of Government

The governmental systems in the United States are federal, state, county and local.

There are several basic principles which are found at all levels of American government. One of these is the «one person, one vote» principle which says that legislators are elected from geographical districts directly by the voters. Under this principle, all election districts must have about the same number of residents.

Another fundamental principle of American government is that because of the system of checks and balances, compromise in politics is a matter of necessity, not choice. For example, the House of Representatives controls spending and finance, so the President must have its agreement for his proposals and programs. He cannot declare war, either, without the approval of Congress. In foreign affairs, he is also strongly limited. Any treaty must first be approved by the Senate. If there is no approval, there's no treaty. The rule is «the President proposes, but Congress disposes.» What a President wants to do, therefore, is often a different thing from what a President is able to do.

Topical Vocabulary

Government – правительство

Level – уровень

Legislator – законодатель

District – район

Resident – постоянно проживающий

System of checks and balances – принцип взаимоограничения властей

Spending – расходы

Agreement – согласие

To declare war – объявлять войну

To approve – одобрить

Approval – одобрение