American Government vs. English Government

Attribute	American Government	English Government
Head of State	President	Monarch
Legislature	Congress	Parliament
Legal System	Common Law	Common Law
Electoral System	First-past-the-post	First-past-the-post
Political Parties	Democratic and Republican	Conservative and Labour

History and Origins

American government and English government have a shared history that dates back to the colonial period. The American system of government was heavily influenced by the English system, as the early American colonists brought with them many of the political traditions and institutions of England. The English government, on the other hand, has a long history that dates back to the Magna Carta in 1215, which established the principle of limited government and individual rights.

Both governments have evolved over time, with the American government being shaped by the principles of democracy and federalism, while the English government has undergone reforms such as the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Structure of Government

The American government is a federal system with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The President serves as the head of the executive branch, while Congress is responsible for making laws and the Supreme Court interprets them. This system of checks and balances ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

In contrast, the English government is a parliamentary system with a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, while the monarch serves as the head of state. The Parliament is responsible for making laws, and the judiciary is independent of the government.

Citizenship and Rights

American citizens have certain rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Citizens also have the right to vote in elections and participate in the political process. The concept of individual rights is central to the American system of government.

In England, citizens also have rights and freedoms protected by law, such as the right to a fair trial and freedom of assembly. However, the English system does not have a written constitution like the United States, which means that rights are not as explicitly defined.

Political Parties and Elections

Both the American and English governments have political parties that play a significant role in the political process. In the United States, there are two major parties, the Democrats and Republicans, that compete in elections at the national, state, and local levels. Elections are held regularly to elect representatives to Congress and the President.

In England, there are several political parties, including the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Democrats, that compete in elections for seats in the House of Commons. The party that wins the most seats forms the government, and the leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.

Role of the Judiciary

The judiciary plays a crucial role in both the American and English systems of government. In the United States, the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and overturn laws that are deemed unconstitutional. The judiciary acts as a check on the other branches of government and ensures that laws are applied fairly.

In England, the judiciary is independent of the government and plays a similar role in interpreting laws and ensuring that justice is served. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court in the country and has the power to hear appeals on important legal issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American government and English government share many similarities due to their shared history and origins. Both systems have evolved over time to reflect the values of democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. While there are differences in structure and organization, both governments are committed to upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice for their citizens.