The political framework of the United States

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Joe Biden (assumed office 20 January 2021) - Democratic Party
Vice President: Kamala Harris (assumed office 20 January 2021) - Democratic Party

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 5 November 2024
Senate: 3 November 2024
House of Representatives: 3 November 2024

Current Political Context

The year 2022 was dominated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February and the deadly war that has lasted since then. Despite the polarization of U.S. politics, both Democrats and Republicans supported humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine, a bipartisan approach praised by U.S. President Joe Biden. The United States has coordinated its sanctions against Russia with its western and NATO partners, in line with the Biden administration's effort to return to a multilateral approach and re-engage with traditional partners (Coface). In the end of 2022, following a bilateral meeting between Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a new USD 1.58 billion aid package was announced. Despite soaring inflation and fears of an upcoming recession, the Democrats retained control of the Senate in the mid-term elections. The Republicans only won a thin majority in the House of Representatives, the worst mid-term performance by a party out of power in 20 years. This underperformance was largely attributed to the negative impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who remained on the political scene in 2022. Trump, under multiple investigations, announced that he would run for president again. Tensions with China remained high, particularly on issues related to trade and intellectual property protection, and intensifying human rights violations in Iran further reduced the likelihood of a nuclear deal.

Main Political Parties

Two political parties dominate politics:
- The Democratic Party: socially progressive, favours government intervention to temper the market economy
- The Republican Party (also known as the Grand Old Party, GOP): socially conservative, supports free-market capitalism and emphasises national defence.
There are other parties such as the Reform Party, the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, the Constitution Party, the Natural Law Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the Working Class Party, and the Working Families Party.

Executive Power

The President is the Chief of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Head of Government. The President is elected by an electoral college (whose members are elected directly from each state) to serve a four-year term. These powers are checked by the U.S. Congress. The Cabinet is appointed by the President and subject to approval by the Senate.

Legislative Power

The legislature is bicameral in the United States. The Congress consists of the Senate (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house). The Senate has the power to confirm or reject presidential appointments and to ratify treaties. It is composed of 100 senators. The House of Representatives has the sole right to initiate revenue bills, although they may be amended or rejected by the Senate. It is composed of 435 members. The President has the power to veto the legislation passed by the Congress, but the Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

44/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

2/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House