THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE USA

The USA is an indirect democracy - that is, the people rule through the representatives they elect. Today any citizen who is at least 18 years old can vote.
Under the Constitution there are three branches of US Government: the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch.
The legislative branch is represented by Congress, which consists of two Houses - the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress's main function is to make laws. There are 100 senators (two from each state) and 435 representatives (the number from each state depends on the size of the state's population).
The executive branch is headed by the President, who is also head of the country. The executive branch sees to it that the laws are carried out, it actually rules the country. In addition to the President and the Vice-President, the executive branch consists of departments and agencies. The President appoints the department heads, or advisers, who together make up the President's Cabinet.
The judicial branch interprets the laws and make sure that new laws are in keeping with the Constitution. The judicial branch is represented by several levels of federal courts. The Supreme Court is the most important body. It has nine members, who are appointed for life (пожизненно).