United States Political System and Defense Policy Overview

Study Notes

United States of America

The United States of America is a country located in North America with a federal presidential constitutional republic system of government. It comprises fifty states and a federal district. This section will discuss the political system and defense policy of the United States.

Political System

Federalism

Unlike unitary systems such as France or Mexico, the U.S. government exercises its powers through two levels: national and state governments. In essence, it's a fusion of local power and strong centralized authority. The original intention was to have most government activity done by the states while having a weak central government. But after the Civil War, the balance shifted decisively toward Washington.

Separation of Powers

This ensures checks and balances exist within the government itself. The legislative branch consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. These bodies make laws and represent their constituents. The executive branch is responsible for executing these laws, consisting of the president, vice president, and members of the cabinet (the attorney general, secretary of state, and others). Finally, the judicial branch interprets the Constitution and decides whether laws are legal or illegal.

Elections

Elections occur every four years for the presidency; however, they happen more frequently for other positions like senators or representatives. The Electoral College determines who gets into office based on how many votes each candidate receives from their respective state. Aside from presidential elections, people also vote for a variety of offices across the nation, including governor, state legislature, and even school board.

Defense Policy

Department of Defense

Established in the National Security Act of 1947, the Department of Defense (DoD) manages the military aspects of national security. Under this umbrella advanced technology research and development occurs through entities such as the Office of Naval Research, Army Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Navy Research Laboratory.

Military Branches

There are five branches in total: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. Each branch serves different purposes depending on terrain and mission requirements. For example, the Marines have amphibious capabilities for landing forces and conducting ground combat operations, while the Army focuses more on land warfare.

Budget

The U.S. spends a significant portion of its GDP on defense annually. According to the Congressional Budget Office, between Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense budget increased from $778 billion to approximately $870 billion. Many factors influence this increase, including ongoing conflicts abroad, upkeep of existing weapons systems, and the need for new technologies.

Description

This quiz covers the political system of the United States, including federalism and the separation of powers, as well as the defense policy focusing on the Department of Defense, military branches, and defense budget. Test your knowledge on how the U.S. government functions and manages its national security and military forces.