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Indigenous Peoples and Pre-Colonial Period (before 1492)

The Americas were inhabited by Native American tribes and civilizations such as the Iroquois, Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, and Mississippian culture.

These societies had complex governments, trade, and spiritual beliefs long before European contact.

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2. Age of Exploration and Colonization (1492–1776)

1492: Christopher Columbus, sailing for Spain, reached the Caribbean.

European powers (Spain, France, England, the Netherlands) began colonizing North America.

1607: Jamestown, Virginia—first permanent English settlement.

1620: Pilgrims land at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Conflict with Native Americans and the spread of European diseases led to massive population decline among indigenous peoples.

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3. American Revolution and Independence (1775–1789)

Growing resentment against British taxes and rule (e.g., Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party).

1775–1783: Revolutionary War.

1776: Declaration of Independence, mainly authored by Thomas Jefferson.

1787: U.S. Constitution written; George Washington becomes the first president in 1789.

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4. Expansion and Civil War (1800–1865)

U.S. expands westward through the Louisiana Purchase (1803), Manifest Destiny, and wars (e.g., Mexican-American War).

Tensions over slavery grow between North and South.

1861–1865: Civil War—Union (North) vs. Confederacy (South).

1863: Emancipation Proclamation frees slaves in Confederate states.

1865: Union wins; President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated.

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5. Reconstruction and Industrialization (1865–1900)

Southern states rejoin the Union.

Slavery ends, but Jim Crow laws and racial segregation persist.

The U.S. becomes an industrial power with growth in cities, factories, and railroads.

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6. World Wars and Great Depression (1900–1945)

World War I (1917–1918): U.S. joins Allies late in the war.

1920s: Economic boom (Roaring Twenties); women gain the right to vote (1920).

1929: Stock market crash starts the Great Depression.

World War II (1941–1945): U.S. enters after Pearl Harbor attack. Defeats Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.Cold War and Civil Rights (1945–1991)

Cold War: U.S. vs. Soviet Union in a global political/military rivalry (includes Korean War, Vietnam War).

Civil Rights Movement (1950s–60s): Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. fight segregation and racism.

1964: Civil Rights Act passed.

1969: U.S. lands first humans on the Moon (Apollo 11).

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8. Modern Era (1991–present)

Post-Cold War: U.S. is the world's dominant superpower.

2001: 9/11 terrorist attacks lead to the War on Terror (Afghanistan, Iraq).

2008: Barack Obama elected as first African American president.

Ongoing debates about immigration, healthcare, climate change, gun laws, and political polarization.

2020s: COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, contentious elections.

Environmental efforts in the U.S. – laws, policies, and movements toward sustainability, clean energy, or combating climate change.

2. The “Green New Deal” – a proposed set of U.S. policies to address climate change and economic inequality.

3. Green card (U.S. Permanent Residency) – official permission to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

4. Green spaces or conservation – national parks, forests, or land preservation in the U.S.

5. Green Party USA – a political party focused on environmentalism and social justice.

United States Political System Overview

🏛️ 1. Type of Government

Federal Republic and Constitutional Democracy

Power is divided between:

Federal (national) government

State governments (50 states)

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⚖️ 2. Three Branches of Government

Based on the U.S. Constitution (1787), with a system of checks and balances:

A. Legislative Branch – Makes Laws

Congress = 2 parts:

Senate – 100 members (2 per state, 6-year terms)

House of Representatives – 435 members (based on population, 2-year terms)

Powers: taxes, budget, declaring war, approving appointments.

B. Executive Branch – Enforces Laws

Led by the President (head of state and government)

Elected every 4 years, can serve 2 terms

Current (as of 2025): Joe Biden

Includes Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies (e.g., FBI, EPA)

C. Judicial Branch – Interprets Laws

Supreme Court – 9 Justices appointed for lifeMajor Political Parties

Democratic Party – Center-left, supports stronger federal programs, social safety nets, climate action.

Republican Party (GOP) – Center-right, supports limited government, free markets, lower taxes.

Others: Libertarian Party, Green Party, independents (rarely win major offices).

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🏛️ 4. Elections

Held regularly at federal, state, and local levels

Presidential election every 4 years

Electoral College system used to elect the President (270 votes to win)

Midterm elections happen halfway through a presidential term

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🌐 5. Key Political Issues Today

Immigration

Healthcare

Gun laws

Climate change

Racial justice

Abortion rights

Economic inequality

Foreign policy