In the US, every state has its own powers and control over spending. State government is responsible for things like holding elections and providing for public safety, health and welfare. They have responsibility for some key decision making in their area, while central government in Westminster takes control of other matters.

The United States Capitol in Washington DC is the meeting place of the US Congress and the home of the legislative branch of the government.

The federal government, or national government, looks after things like immigration, foreign affairs and minting money. Other powers, such as taxation, lawmaking and law enforcement are shared between state and federal governments.

Federal power is split into three different branches of government – the executive (the president and their cabinet), the judiciary (the Supreme Court) and the chambers of the United States Congress.