The United States

Definition

The United States is a country located primarily in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.

Analogy

Imagine if your school was made up of different clubs—each with its own rules but all following an overarching set of school policies—that's kind-of what it's like with each state having its own laws but also adhering to federal law in the U.S.

Related terms

Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

Constitutional Republic: A form of government where officials are elected by citizens and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government’s power over all citizens.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the U.S. throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.