America’s territorial division into many states is perplexing, because such an administrative distribution of powers in Russia does not apply. What is the peculiarity of this particular model of governing the country, and what are the distinguishing features of each of the states that make up the United States?
State emergence
In 1492, Columbus discovered America and literally created an era of colonization. But what was important was not the very fact of the emergence of new lands overseas, but the wealth that lurked in them. The first in the pursuit of gold were the Spaniards, then the British and French followed. Naturally, each country had its own colonial territory, and even several, given that at that time America was considered endless. Monarchs appointed governors, and also established their tax systems. The legislative system was also applied in accordance with the territory belonging to a separate empire.
For 170 years, many Spaniards and the British in the pursuit of profit settled in America and became indigenous. They really did not want to give a significant part of the profits overseas, as well as follow the instructions of distant monarchs. Therefore, in 1776, 13 states united and, through the so-called Tea Revolution, proclaimed their independence. Over the next 150 years, the United States expanded to include 37 more states. The last replenishment of America in 1959 was Hawaii.
State Administration Features
The term "state" appeared in 1648.So it was customary to call colonies, that is, separate settlements of emigrants from England and Spain, who set off in search of a better life. Each of the colonies lived according to its own laws, which were formed on the basis of their belonging to their native country and local customs. Influenced on the identity of the new Americans and the traditions of the indigenous people, Indians who frantically fought for their territories with strangers-colonists.
Having gained independence from England and Spain, the Americans have not lost the basic principle of independence. After all even when they are part of a single US country, they are still almost sovereign and they decide all internal management issues, as well as profit distribution.
Interesting fact: USA can be called one of the most interesting and controversial countries. For example, in America, the state language is not approved at the federal level, and this despite the fact that most speak English.
Of course, tasks related to foreign policy and respect for the interests of the country are generally regulated at the federal level, but local tasks are coordinated only by local authorities.
What is the difference between state and republic?
It is noteworthy that, to a certain extent, the principle of state management is consistent with the republican form of government. The republic also has its own leaders, who report to the president, and has its own borders and a number of regulatory acts. However, being a part of the state, the republic is automatically subordinate to one Constitution, as a fundamental document. States in the USA each have their own Constitution, as well as their own flag, coat of arms and motto, not to mention the family or civil code.
Where else in the world are states with states?
The peculiarity of the formation of the federation due to the merger of certain territories - states is inherent not only in the USA, but also in other countries, which at one time were under the influence of England and Spain. So a similar principle of administrative division is applied in Brazil, Venezuela, Australia, India and Mexico.
State Legislation
The US legal system is considered one of the most complex in view of the fact that, in fact, the country lives on a two-tier structure of federal and local regulations. Each state and even city has the right to adopt its own lawsbut they are put into effect only after consideration and approval by Congress, the federal governing body, taking into account the principle of absence of contradictions.
A separate law is formed taking into account the characteristics of the state and takes into account both the cultural environment and the economic situation of the region, as well as local traditions, as well as financial benefits. This situation contributes to the mass of conflicts that result in significant legal differences in individual states.
There are differences in family law. To register a marriage, you need to get a special permit, which takes from 3 to 6 days, depending on the state, in Nevada, in the famous Las Vegas, the whole procedure takes 5 minutes.Divorcing in America will be even more difficult, and even the division of property will result in long-term litigation. This situation is connected with the same contradictions in the legislation.
Only 7 states use the principle of equal shares, while the rest take into account age, personal financial contribution and health status. By the way, this factor also affects maintenance obligations. Former wives who are dependent on the husband and after the divorce continue to live at the same level if they do not remarry.
Interesting fact:Some states have very funny laws, in particular, you cannot buy cornflakes on Sunday in Ohio, and it is forbidden to frown in New Jersey in the presence of a policeman.
In Nebraska, hairdressers are not allowed to eat onions from 7am to 7pm, and in Illinois you can’t hum under your breath. By the way, there the police can carry a slingshot and even use it. In Louisiana, it turns out that a bite with one’s own teeth is regarded as causing slight harm, if false teeth are an aggravated crime.
The United States, in fact, is a country formed from former colonial settlements, called states and having almost complete sovereignty. Of course, all states are subject to federal law, but at the same time each has its own Constitution and a lot of laws that help the region depending on cultural affiliation, traditions and economic opportunities to receive financial benefits.
