USStaat

USStaat is a constituent political subdivision of the United States of America. In the U.S. federal system, a USStaat has its own constitution or foundational legal framework, a government elected by its residents, and authority over many domestic matters not reserved to the federal government.

The United States began with thirteen original states; new states have been admitted by acts of Congress as the nation expanded. Each state has equal standing in the Senate, while House representation is apportioned by population. Some states call themselves commonwealths, but the designation does not alter their constitutional status.

State governments typically include executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive is headed by a governor; the legislature is usually bicameral, with a Senate and a House of Representatives, though Nebraska operates a unicameral body. State courts handle most civil and criminal matters, with a highest court as the final arbiter.

States retain broad police powers over elections, education, transportation, public health and safety, and economic regulation, subject to federal limits. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to states, while federal law can preempt state law under the Supremacy Clause.

In the federal system, states coordinate with the national government on defense, foreign affairs, and interstate commerce, while maintaining substantial autonomy in daily governance and policy experimentation.

The concept of the USStaat highlights the balance between national unity and regional diversity within the United States.