United States of America

Definition

The United States of America (USA) is a federal republic composed of 50 states, a federal district, and five territories. It was established on July 4, 1776, after declaring independence from Great Britain.

Analogy

Think of the USA as a sports team. Each state is like a player with unique skills and roles but they all work together under one set of rules (the Constitution) to achieve common goals.

Related terms

Federalism: This is the system in which power is divided between national and state governments.

Declaration of Independence: This is the document adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776 which announced that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subordinate to Britain and were now united, free, and independent states.

American Revolution: This was an armed conflict between Great Britain and thirteen of its North American colonies which had declared themselves as the independent United States of America.