The American government system began in 1776, and history has proved that it is a very dynamic and adaptive system. The United States is often called a democracy, but more accurately, it is a constitutional federal republic. "Constitutionalism" means that the American government is based on the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country-not only determines the structure of the federal and state governments, but also establishes the authority of the government. "Federation" is embodied in the American system, which consists of a national government and fifty state governments. "Republic" refers to a regime in which the people are in power but the representatives elected by the people are in power.
Under the impetus of Washington and others, the United States established a constitutional convention and formulated a constitution in 1787. 1789, the constitution of the United States of America came into effect. This Constitution, also known as 1787 Constitution, is still in force. Later, with the development of the times and the change of forms, 27 amendments were added to the American Constitution.
The Constitution of the United States is the blueprint of the American political system. It stipulates that the government consists of three branches (legislative, executive and judicial), and determines their powers and ways of holding office.
One of the most important features of the Constitution is the establishment of a system of checks and balances in which the three powers are separated, so any government department is bound by the other two departments to some extent. For example, the judges of the Supreme Court in the judiciary are appointed by the president of the executive branch and then must be approved by the Senate of the legislative branch. Similarly, Supreme Court judges can overturn laws promulgated by Congress and signed by the President. Such checks and balances make it impossible for any government department to monopolize power.
Since the government can only exercise the powers stipulated in the Constitution, the Constitution provides an important guarantee for the people's rights and powers. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, collectively referred to as the Bill of Rights, guarantee the freedom rights of all Americans, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom from unreasonable search and the right to be tried by a jury.
As the fundamental law of the country, the Constitution is also binding on the legislative and administrative powers of governments at all levels. No matter any law or legal provision, as long as it is ruled by the court to be contrary to the Constitution, it is invalid. The Supreme Court has the final decision in this regard.
Constitutional amendments must be proposed by two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate and approved by more than three-quarters of the state's members. This process is very difficult. Since the birth of the Constitution, only 27 amendments have been adopted, including only 16 amendments adopted since 800.