5. The USA and Its Capital

The United States of America and Its Capital

The United States of America

Overview

• The United States of America is a large country located in North America

• Its capital city is Washington, D.C.

• The nation operates as a federal republic consisting of 50 states

• Has a population of approximately 340 million people

• There is no official language at the federal level, although English is widely used

• The currency is the United States Dollar (USD)

National Symbols

Flag

• The U.S. flag features red, blue, and white colors.

• It contains 50 stars, each representing a state, and 13 stripes symbolizing the original British colonies

Animals

• National animals include the American bison and the bald eagle

Geography

Borders and Size

• The USA is bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south

• It lies between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean

• It is the third-largest country globally by land area

Key Geographical Features

• Highest Point: Denali (Mt. McKinley) in Alaska

• Lowest Point: Death Valley in California

• Mountain Ranges: Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Appalachian Mountains

• Longest Rivers: Mississippi and Missouri

• Great Lakes: The USA shares four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie) with Canada.

National Parks

• The USA is home to some of the world’s most famous national parks, including:

• Grand Canyon

• Yellowstone

• Yosemite

History

Key Historical Milestones

• Native American Tribes: Indigenous populations have lived in North America for thousands of years.

• Colonization: European settlers began arriving in the 16th century.

• Independence: The USA declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.

• Civil War: A major conflict occurred between the Northern and Southern states over slavery and states' rights.

• World Wars: The USA played significant roles in both World War I and World War II.

• Modern Events: The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, reshaped the nation's domestic and international policies.

Political System

Structure

• The USA has a federal presidential constitutional republic system

• Power is divided between the federal government and the states

• The foundational legal framework is the U.S. Constitution.

Government Branches

• The government operates through three separate but equal branches:

• Executive: Led by the President.

• Legislative: Comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives (together forming Congress).

• Judicial: Includes the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.

Political Parties

• The country primarily operates on a two-party system:

• Democratic Party

• Republican Party

Culture and Society

Multiculturalism

• The USA is known for its cultural diversity and global influence

• Entertainment: Hollywood is a global film industry

• Music: Jazz, rock, and hip-hop originated in the USA

Celebrations and Sports

• Key holidays include Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

• Popular sports are American football, basketball, and baseball

Technological Impact

• Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have emerged from the USA, influencing global innovation