Climate and Nature of the USA

The USA is situated in the central part of the North American Continent. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, by the Pacific Ocean in the west and by the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The climate varies from moderate to subtropical. Along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts it is oceanic.

Most of the USA territory is marked by sharp differences between winter and summer. Average winter temperature is about 25 degrees below zero in Alaska and up to 20 degrees above zero in Florida. Average summer temperature varies from 14 degrees above zero in the western part and up to 32 degrees above zero in the southeast. The largest amount of rainfall is noted in Alaska and the southwest of the country. In winter the northern part of the USA usually has a steady snow cover.

The largest rivers of the USA are the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Yukon, the Columbia, and the Colorado. The Great Lakes are situated in the northeast of the country. The region of the Cordilleras has semideserts, while the rest of the territory is rich in forests.

In California, where the climate is usually mild, the famous fruit-raising area is located. Californian oranges, grapefruit and lemons are sold all over the USA and other parts of the world.

The plains of Wyoming, stretching for hundreds of miles, are covered with short grass and sagebrush. This is the land of cattle- and sheep breeding. The south of the country has been an agricultural region for many years. It raises the nation's cotton and tobacco. The USA also grows wheat, corn and different vegetables.

There are a lot of national parks in the USA, the aim of which is to preserve the beauty and treasures of the nature.

Political System of the USA

The United States of America is a federative republic.

Since 1959 the Federation comprises 50 states.

The president is the head of the state and executive body. He is also the commander-in-chief of the army and Navy of the USA. The president and vice-president are elected for a term of four years.

All the legislative power is vested in Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 100 senators and 435 members in the House of Representatives. Two Senators from each state are elected by popular vote for a term of six years, the Representatives are elected for two-year term. Both houses must approve the bill for it to become a law.

An essential role in the US political system is played by the Supreme Court, which may declare a law, passed by Congress, to be contradictory to the Constitution of the country.The various states have legislative and executive bodies of their own. Their structure, function and competence are determined by the Constitution of each state. There is an elected governor at the head of each state. States enjoy independence in their domestic affairs, including financial matters. However, state laws and actions of state authorities must not conflict with the Constitution of the USA.