Passage 8
These days, the American President is one of the most powerful men in the world.
He can make war, or peace.
He can touch the lives of millions in many different countries, but the President cannot do just what he wants.
The Congress must agree first.
In some ways, the United States is like fifty small countries and not one large one.
Every state has its own governor, its own police, and its own laws.
For example, in some states you can buy an alcoholic drink when you are 18.
In others, you must wait until you are 21.
The government of the whole country (the 'federal' government) works from Washington, the capital city.
This is where Congress is based.
Congress has two parts, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
There are 100 members of the Senate (called Senators), two from each state.
The President cannot act without the Senate's agreement.
The House of Representatives has 435 members.
Like the senator, they can make new laws.
Americans choose a new President every four years.
The election is a great occasion.
It is serious business, of course, but the Americans make sure that it is fun too.