What type of government does the U.S. have?

The United States operates under a constitutional democracy, which is characterized by a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. In this context, democracy is defined by principles such as popular sovereignty, individual rights, and the rule of law.

In the U.S., citizens participate in the democratic process by voting in elections, thereby influencing legislation and the selection of government officials. This system promotes accountability and encourages civic engagement.

While options like monarchy, dictatorship, and theocracy imply a concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler or religious authority without the same level of public participation or accountability, democracy emphasizes the equality of all participants in the political process. Thus, the characterization of the U.S. as a democracy highlights its foundational principles of freedom, equality, and civic involvement in shaping governance.