20 Truths About American Political System

Truths about our political system and whether they appear to be positive, negative, or neutral aspects.

1. The US Constitution, which lays the foundation for our country, appears to be a very stable document. (+)
2. We use a separation of powers system. (+)
3. Presidents are not elected directly by voters, but by the Electoral College. (-)
4. Each chamber of Congress has certain exclusive powers. (+)
5. Each of the nine Supreme Court Justices carries an equal weight. (+)
6. Members of Congress are less constrained by party affiliation and freer to act individually. (+)
7. In the US, religion is a factor in politics in a way unique in western democracies. (-)
8. Most incumbents win re-election. (0)
9. Popular sovereignty- the source of governmental power lies with the people. So, people are able to dissolve the government if they feel it is not representing them fairly. (+)
10. The government must follow its own laws and it can only act using powers given to it by the people. (+)
11. The government is increasingly responsive to special interest groups, not the public interest. (-)
12. Citizens have the responsibility to understand and support the government, participate in elections, pay taxes, and perform military service. (+)
13. American government is free from any official religious affiliation. (+)
14. There are state and local governments. (+)
15. Freedom of speech (+)
16.  Third parties have less political influence in the United States than in other developed country democracies. (0)
17. The federal government has been created by the states. (+)
18.  Americans vote for a specific candidate instead of directly selecting a particular political party. (+)
19. Supreme court cannot initiate a bill or law. (0)
20. Media plays a huge role in politics. It is sometimes considered the fourth branch of government. (0)