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Outline of the U.S. Government

September 2000

September 2000

What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all.

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Translations

Inside This Publication

September 2000

Chapters

  • Chapter 1

    The Constitution: An Enduring Document

  • Chapter 2

    Explaining the Constitution: The Federalist Papers

  • Chapter 3

    The Executive Branch: Powers of the Presidency

  • Chapter 4

    The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress

  • Chapter 5

    The Judicial Branch: Interpreting the Constitution

  • Chapter 6

    Landmark Decisions of the Supreme Court

  • Chapter 7

    A Country of Many Governments

  • Chapter 8

    Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen

On The Record

Quote BeginningThis provision is made in a Constitution intended to endure for ages to come and, consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.End Quote

John Marshall, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819

Did You Know?

  • Abraham Lincoln, John C. Breckinridge and Stephen Douglas, candidates for the U.S presidency in 1860

    Creation of a powerful, unitary presidency was the source of some contention in the Constitutional Convention.

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