United States Political Figures
The US political system is defined by the US’s status as a federal republic. Sovereignty is shared amongst the executive branch, legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The President is the head of the executive branch. The legislative branch is composed of Congress, the Senate and House of Representatives. The judicial branch includes the federal court system.
Two political parties have dominated US politics since the American civil war, and are formally present in both the executive and legislative branches of the system. The US is a very powerful country, and for that reason its political decisions affect the rest of the world. The US presidential election is one of the most documented political events globally.
The US government is divided into three branches – the executive branch (the president and his cabinet), the legislative branch (the US Congress), and the judiciary branch (the courts). The separation of powers was implemented to establish a system of check and balances to prevent an individual or group from gaining too much control and power. The US Constitution is what provides the separation of powers.
GOP in US politics is short for the Grand Old Party and represents the Republican Party. The Republican Party is one of the 2 major political parties in the United States. The other major political party is the Democratic Party and has been the historical rival of the GOP. The GOP was founded in 1854 by opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for the expansion of slavery. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.
Progressive politics in the US is based on the reform movement that reached its height starting in the 20th century. Progressive politics are middle class and seek reforms. Progressive politics became popular as a response to the changes that happened through modernization like the growth of large corporations, pollution, and fears of corruption in politics. Progressive politics also embrace environmentalism and social justice.
