GPA Publications

  • Explore by topic
    • About America
    • Democracy
    • Development
    • Education
    • English Learning
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Human Rights
    • Science & Technology
    • Women & Girls
Outline of the U.S. Government—Outline Series

Outline of the U.S. Government—Outline Series

What makes the U.S. government uniquely American? Learn about the separation of powers, the institutions and the practices that constitute U.S. democracy. The American Constitution defines the government structure. But the ways in which institutions and officials meet the requirements of the Constitution are open to interpretation. A long-standing issue in U.S. democracy involves the interplay between the powers accorded to states and the powers and prerogatives of the national government.

The federal entity created by the U.S. Constitution is the dominant feature of the American governmental system. In reality thousands of smaller units compose a mosaic of building blocks that together make up the whole. Prior to the Constitution, there were the governments of the separate colonies (later states) and, prior to those, the governments of counties and smaller units. Today, there are 50 state governments plus the government of the District of Columbia, and other still smaller government entities that govern counties, cities, towns, and villages.

The drafters of the U.S. Constitution left the multilayered governmental system untouched. While they made the national structure supreme, they wisely recognized the need for a series of governments more directly in contact with the people and more keenly attuned to their needs. Therefore, certain functions—such as defense, currency regulation, and foreign relations—are best managed by a strong centralized government. But other functions—such as sanitation, education, and local transportation—are better served by the many local jurisdictions.

Book, 132 pgs.

PDF - web
English (22 MB)
Français (9 MB)
PDF - print
English (47 MB)
Français (32 MB)

Suggested for you

Handbook of Independent Journalism—Handbook Series

Handbook of Independent Journalism—Handbook Series

Format: Book
The Electoral College: 270 Votes to Win_eJournal USA

The Electoral College: 270 Votes to Win_eJournal USA

Format: Book
Pride 2020—The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Pride 2020—The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Format: Book
Join with the United States in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Pride Month during June of 2020. Download this colorful free poster.
Free and Fair Elections: Why Elections Matter

Free and Fair Elections: Why Elections Matter

Format: Book
Religious Freedom in the United States_Poster

Religious Freedom in the United States_Poster

Format: Book

Comments? Suggestions? Contact Us

This site is managed by the Bureau of Global Public Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.