These days, the American President is one of the most powerful men in the world.
He can make war, or peace. He can touch the lives of millions in many different
countries, but the President cannot do just what he wants. The Congress must agree
first.
In some ways, the United States is like fifty small countries and not one large one.
Every state has its own governor, its own police, and its own laws. For example, in
some states you can buy an alcoholic drink when you are 18. In others, you must
wait until you are 21.
The government of the whole country (the 'federal' government) works from
Washington, the capital city. This is where Congress is based. Congress has two parts,
the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
There are 100 members of the Senate (called Senators), two from each state. The
President cannot act without the Senate's agreement. The House of Representatives
has 435 members. Like the senators, they can make new laws.
Americans choose a new President every four years. The election is a great occasion.
It is serious business, of course, but the Americans make sure that it is fun too.