Download The US is the oldest continuous democracy in the world. It was

The US is the oldest continuous democracy in the world. It was established in 1789, although not all
features of the system were as democratic as they are now.
Key Facts
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The US is a Federal system. This means that power is divided between a central/national
government and the States. The national government is referred to as the Federal
Government.
There are 50 States.
The Federal Government has three branches/arms:
o Legislative Branch
o Executive Branch
o Judicial Branch
The Legislative Branch consists of:
o House of Representatives
o Senate
The Executive Branch consists of:
o The President
o The Cabinet
o The Federal Departments and Agencies
The Judicial Branch consists of:
o The Supreme Court
o Other Federal Courts
Constitutional Qualifications for Members of Congress
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Members of the House must be at least 25 years of age and a citizen of the US for a
minimum of 7 years.
Members of the Senate must be at least 30 years of age and a citizen of the US for a
minimum of 9 years.
All representatives must reside in the state from which they are elected, although House
members do not need to live in their congressional district.
Powers of Congress (Article 1)
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Power to tax
Congress has the power to "lay and collect taxes"
Power to regulate commerce
Congress can make laws regarding trade and commerce amongst the states and with other
countries
Power to coin money
the individual states are forbidden to have their own currencies
Power to borrow money
Congress can "borrow money on the credit of the United States"
War Power
the Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. In 1973 it passed the War
Powers Act which limited the President's power to send US troops overseas
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