Text 1. The usa

Geographical Position

The United States of America was founded on July 4th 1776, when the thirteen English colonies decided that they could no longer regard themselves to be subjects of British Crown. We know the United States to win its freedom from England and after six years of fighting to became a new country. George Washington was elected (to be) its first president. Since 1783, when the War of Independence ended in favour of the colonists, the USA has steadily increased its power and the original thirteen states have grown now to fifty.

The United States lies in the central part of the North American continent with the Atlantic Ocean to the East, the Pacific to the West, Canada to the North, and Mexico to the South. It covers a territory of 9.4 square kilometres. The USA is a country of great contrasts. Its climate ranges from the arctic cold of Alaska to tropical heat of Florida; in landscape from the endless plain of the Middle West to the snowy peaks of Rocky Mountains.

The USA is divided into three areas _ Eastern area - a highland, Central area - a plain, and Western area which is mountainous and includes the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, mountains with their snow-capped peaks and clear mountain lakes. The Northern part of the USA embraces the region of the Five Great Lakes — Lake Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario. These lakes are thought to be the largest reservoir of the fresh water of the world.

The Mississippi is one of the world’s great continental rivers. Its waters are gathered from two-thirds of the United States. Together with the Missouri River (its chief Western branch), the Mississippi flows some 4,000 miles (6,420 kilometres).

Niagara Falls is known to be the natural wonder of America. It is situated midway between New York and Chicago. Niagara is an Indian word which mean «roaring water», because the roar of the falling water can be heard within a distance of 25 km.

The USA is rich in coal, oil, iron and other minerals. It is the biggest highly developed imperialist power. Heavy industry prevails in the USA, including such branches as the mining, metallurgical, engineering and chemical industries. War industry plays an important role in the US economy.

Political Structure

The United States has a federal system of government. The foundation of the government of the USA is the Constitution, writteh almost two hundred years ago. The head of the executive power is President. The head of the legislative power is the Congress. The president is elected for a four-year period. He may be re-elected and serve eight years, but not longer. His powers are considerable: he appoints the cabinet, signs treaties with other governments and can suggest laws to the government.

Congress, the parliament of the United States, is divided into two houses: the Senate, or upper house and House of Representatives or lower house. Each state sends two senators to Congress. According to the Constitution of the United States, a senator must be at least thirty years old and must be a citizen of the United States for nine years at the time of election. The House of Representatives has 435 members (congressmen), elected for 2 years. Both Houses can introduce new laws, and the Senate must also approve or reject all appointments or treaties suggested by the president.

Each of the 50 states has its own government headed by a governor, whose position is similar to that of the president in the Federal Government.