Geography of the USA

1. Geography of the USA

The United States is a country in the Western Hemisphere. Most of the country is in the central part of North America. It is boarded by Canada on the north and Mexico on the south. Due to its geographical position 48 states are conterminous, or enclosed within one common boundary. The other 2states, Hawaii (in the Pacific Ocean) and Alaska (in the far northwestern part of North America), are located apart from the rest of the country. The physical geography of the US is varied. There are huge forests, large areas of flat, grassy plains and deserts.  Within the continental U.S., eight distinct physiographic divisions exist, though each is composed of several smaller physiographic subdivisions. These major divisions are:

1. Laurentian Upland - part of the Canadian Shield that extends into the northern United States Great Lakes area.

2. Atlantic Plain - the coastal regions of the eastern and southern parts includes the continental shelf, the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast.

3. Appalachian Highlands - lying on the eastern side of the United States, it includes the Appalachian Mountains, the Watchung Mountains, the Adirondacks and New England province originally containing the Great Eastern Forest.

4. Interior Plains - part of the interior contentintal United States, it includes much of what is called the Great Plains.

5. Interior Highlands - also part of the interior contentintal United States, this division includes the Ozark Plateau.

6. Rocky Mountain System - one branch of the Cordilleran system lying far inland in the western states.

7. Intermontane Plateaus - also divided into the Columbia Plateau, the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province, it is a system of plateaus, basins, ranges and gorges between the Rocky and Pacific Mountain Systems. It is the setting for the Grand Canyon, the Great Basin and Death Valley.

8. Pacific Mountain System - the coastal mountain ranges and features in the west coast of the United States.

Due to its large size and wide range of geographic features, the United States contains examples of nearly every global climate. The climate is temperate in most areas, subtropical in the Deep South, polar in Alaska, semiarid in the Great Plains west of the 100th meridian, Mediterranean in coastal California and arid in the Great Basin.

In northern Alaska, tundra and arctic conditions predominate, and the temperature has fallen as low as −80 °F (−62.2 °C). On the other end of the spectrum, Death Valley, California once reached 134 °F (56.7 °C), the second-highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.

Due to the geographical position the United States is affected by a variety of natural disasters yearly. The Great Plains and Midwest, due to the contrasting air masses, sees frequent severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks during spring and summer. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak from mid-August through early October. There are several active volcanoes located in the islands of Hawaii, including Kilauea in ongoing eruption since 1983, but they do not typically adversely affect the inhabitants of the islands. Other natural disasters include: tsunamis around Pacific Basin & mud slides in California.

 

2. New England

New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. New England is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Canada (the Canadian Maritimes and Quebec) and the state of New York.

In one of the earliest English settlements in North America, Pilgrims from England first settled in New England in 1620, to form Plymouth Colony. Ten years later, the Puritans settled north of Plymouth Colony in Boston, thus forming Massachusetts Bay Colony. Over the next 130 years, New England participated in four French and Indian Wars, until the British defeated the French and their native allies in North America. In the late 18th century, the New England Colonies initiated the resistance to the British Parliament's efforts to impose new taxes without the consent of the colonists. The Boston Tea Party was a protest that angered Great Britain, which responded with the Coercive Acts, stripping the colonies of self-government. The confrontation led to open warfare in 1775, the expulsion of the British from New England in spring 1776, and the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

The first movements of American literature, philosophy, and education originated in New England. The region played a prominent role in the movement to abolish slavery and was the first region of the United States to be transformed by the Industrial Revolution. Today, New England is a major world center of education, high technology, insurance, and medicine. Boston is its cultural, financial, educational, medical and transportation center.

Each state is principally subdivided into small incorporated municipalities known as New England towns, which are often governed by town meeting. The only unincorporated territory in New England exists in the sparse, northern regions of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Voters have voted more often for liberal candidates at the state and federal level than those of any other region in the United States.

New England has the only non-geographic regional name recognized by the federal government. It maintains a strong sense of cultural identity set apart from the rest of the country, although the terms of this identity are often contested, combining Puritanism with liberalism, agrarian life with industry, and isolation with immigration.

The states of New England have a combined area of 71,991.8 sq mi (186,458 km2), making the region slightly larger than the state of Washington and larger than England.[48][49] Maine alone constitutes nearly one-half of the total area of New England, yet is only the 39th-largest state, slightly smaller than Indiana. The remaining states are among the smallest in the United States, including the smallest state, Rhode Island. The largest city is Boston. ( pop. 4,522,858)

Climate. In general, springs are wet and cloudy. In general, average rainfall ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 mm (40 to 60 in) a year, although the northern parts of Vermont and Maine see slightly less, from 500 to 1,000 mm (20 to 40 in). Snowfall can often exceed 2,500 mm (98 in) annually. As a result, the mountains and ski resorts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are popular destinations in the winter. Owing to thick deciduous forests, fall in New England brings bright and colorful foliage, which comes earlier than in other nearby regions, attracting tourism by "leaf peepers."

 

 

3. American demography

American demography

The United States has a total estimated resident population of 310,594,000, the third largest in the world. It is a very urbanized population, with 82% residing in cities and suburbs as of 2008. California and Texas are the most populous states.

The total fertility rate in the United States estimated for 2010 is 2.01 children per woman. However, U.S. population growth is among the highest in industrialized countries.

There were 155.6 million females in the United States in 2009. The number of males was 151.4 million. At age 85 and older, there were more than twice as many women as men. People under 20 years of age made up over a quarter of the U.S. population (27.3%), and people age 65 and over made up one-eighth (12.8%) in 2009. The national median age was 36.8 years. Racially, the U.S. has a White American majority. Minorities compose just over one-third of the population (102.5 million in 2007), with Hispanic and Latino Americans and Black Americans as the largest minority groups, by ethnicity and race, respectively.

Marriage

In 2010, the median age for marriage for men was 27; for women, 26.

Social classes

William Thompson & Joseph Hickey, 2005 

Upper class (1%) Upper middle class (15%) Lower middle class (32%)

Working class (32%)  Lower class (ca. 14% - 20%) 

 

Race and ethnicity

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2009 was as follows:

Race                                         Percentage                                         Number

White alone                                                     74.8%                                   229.8 million

Black or African American alone          12.4%                                    38.1 million

Some other race alone                                       4.9%                                    14.9 million

Asian alone                                                      4.5%                                     13.8 million

Two or more races                                        2.4%                                     7.5 million

American Indian or Alaska Native alone         0.8%                                     2.5 million

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone  0.15%                      0.454 million

 

The Census Bureau projects a U.S. population of 439 million in 2050, which is a 46% increase from 2007 (301.3 million). However, the United Nations projects a U.S. population of 402 million in 2050, an increase of 32% from 2007 (the UN projects a gain of 38% for the world at large).

Population projections

In 2008, the US Census Bureau projected future censuses as follows:

2010: 310,232,863

2020: 341,386,665

2030: 373,503,674

2040: 405,655,295

2050: 439,010,253

4. Labour in America

Labor is considered to be the necessity of life not only in America, but all over the world. The composition of the U.S. work force has changed with the structure of the U.S. economy and with economic and social modernization. Before this aspect became so well-spread and developed many labor movements took place. We could find out several events in the history that influenced on further development of labor:  The Great Railroad Strike of 1922, Coal Strikes, and Haymarket Riot.

Labor unions in the United States are legally recognized as representatives of workers in many industries. The most prominent unions are among public sector employees such as teachers and police. Activity by labor unions in the United States today centers on collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their membership and on representing their members if management attempts to violate contract provisions. Although much smaller compared to their peak membership in the 1950s, American unions also remain an important political factor, both through mobilization of their own memberships and through coalitions with like-minded activist organizations around issues such as immigrant rights, trade policy, health care, and living wage campaigns.

Early unions

The first local trade unions of men in the United States formed in the late 18th century, and women began organizing in the 1820s. However, the movement came into its own after the Civil War, when the short-lived National Labor Union (NLU) became the first federation of American unions.

The 1920s marked a period of decline for the labor movement. In 1919, more than 4 million workers (or 21 percent of the labor force) participated in about 3,600 strikes. In contrast, in 1929 about 289,000 workers (or 1.2 percent of the labor force) take part only in 900 strikes. Union membership and activities fell sharply because of economic prosperity and a lack of leadership within the movement.

The stock market crashed in October, 1929, that led to the Great Depression. By the winter of 1932-33, the economy was so dangerous that the unemployment rate hit the 25 percent mark. Unions lost members during this time because laborers could not afford to pay their dues and furthermore, numerous strikes against wage cuts left the unions impoverished.

World War II: The war mobilization dramatically expanded union membership, from 8.7 million in 1940 to over 14.3 million in 1945, about 36% of the work force. For the first time large numbers of women factory workers were enrolled.

Today most labor unions in the United States are members of one of two larger umbrella organizations: the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) or the Change to Win Federation, which split from the AFL-CIO in 2005. Both organizations advocate policies and legislation favorable to workers in the United States and Canada, and take an active role in politics favoring the Democratic Party but not exclusively so.

In August 2010, the American labor force comprised 154.1 million people. The largest private employment sector is health care and social assistance, with 16.4 million people. In 2009, the United States had the third highest labor productivity per person in the world, behind Luxembourg and Norway.

 

5. Social Security in the USA. Benefit programs.

Traditionally in America, helping the poor was a matter for private charity or local government. Arriving immigrants depended mainly on predecessors from their homeland to help them start a new life. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several European nations instituted public-welfare programs. But such a movement was slow to take hold in the United States because the rapid pace of industrialization and the ready availability of farmland seemed to confirm the belief that anyone who was willing to work could find a job.

The Great Depression, which began in 1929, shattered that belief. For the first time in history, substantial numbers of Americans were out of work because of the widespread failures of banks and businesses.

Within days after taking office as president in 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed recovery and reform legislation to the U.S. Congress. Most of the programs started during the Depression era were temporary relief measures, but one of the programs -- Social Security -- has become an American institution.

The other establishments were Federal Security Agency 1939, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare 1953, the Department of Housing and Urban Development 1965 and the Department of Health and Human Services 1980.

Social Security is the largest federal social welfare program in the USA. It ensures that retired persons receive a modest monthly income and also provides unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and other forms of assistance. The Social Security Act, first adopted in 1935, contains numerous other titles and programs, including Title IV Children’s Services, Title XVIII (Medicare), Title XIX (Medicaid) and others.

The Social Security program is officially known by the acronym OASDHI, which spells out the major categories of beneficiaries covered by the program: Old Age; Survivors (widows and minor children of dead workers) and permanently and totally Disabled workers. The letter ‘H’ represents Medicare that is a component of social insurance program in Social Security. The ‘I’ is for insurance.

In 2008, over 50 million Americans received nearly $614 billion in Social Security benefits. The total cost of all federal assistance programs -- including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and various welfare programs -- accounts for nearly one-half of all money spent by the federal government. That is a doubling of the percentage that obtained in the 1960s.

Needy Americans can also turn to sources other than government for help. A broad spectrum of private charities and voluntary organizations is available. Volunteerism is on the rise in the United States, especially among retired persons. It is estimated that almost 50 percent of Americans over age 18 do volunteer work, and nearly 75 percent of U.S. households contribute money to charity.

 

 

6.The South Atl States 9:Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The 1st Europeans to settle here were Eng protestants. In coastal areas settlers grew wealthy by raising and selling crops such as tobacco and cotton. Delaware is located on the Atl Coast in the Mid-Atl region. The st is named after D Bay and River, which were named for Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr . Florida here is Disney world. Is a low-lying peninsula with a coast line 2nd in length only to Alaska. Is flat. Georgia was the last of the 13 Colonies to be establ as a colony in 1733. It was the 4th st to ratify the US Constitution in 1788. G is also known as the Peach St and the Empire St of the South. Atlanta is the most populous city and the capital. Here is the museum of Margaret Mitchel. Maryland Historically was part of the Chesapeake Bay Colony where planters cultivated tobacco.Is comparable in size to the European country of Belgium. M is now the wealthiest state in the US.It bears 2 nicknames, the Old Line St and the Free St. M is a life sciences hub with over 350 biotechnology firms, making it the 3d-largest such cluster in the nation. North Carolina was one of the original 13 Colonies and the home of the 1st Eng colony in the Am-s. Today is a fast-growing st with an increasingly diverse economy and population. A leader n agriculture and business. The nation’s major producer of tobacco. South Carolina Originally known as C, the Province of SC was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from the Br Crown during the Am Revolution. The st is named after King Charles II, as Carolus is Latin for Charles. Tourism; many racism problems. Virginia is named after Queen Elizabeth I, who, never having married, was known as the 'Virgin Queen'. The st is also known as "Mother of Presidents", because it is the birthplace of 8 US presidents. Agriculture, colonialism and slavery played significant roles in V's early economy and politics. It was the 1st permanent New World Eng colony and became one of the 13 colonies that would take part in the Am Revolution. West Virginia broke away from V during the Am Civil War and was admitted to the Union in 1863. It is one of only 2 states formed during the Am Civil War (along with Nevada). The capital and largest city is Charleston.The st is noted for its great natural beauty, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its labor history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. The US Congress, presidency, election system.

The Congress is the supreme legislative organ. It consists of two Houses: The Senate and The House of Representatives. Its residence is on Capitol Hill, in the center of Washington.

The Senate, the smaller House, is composed of two members from each state, as provided by the Constitution. Membership in the House of Representatives is based on the number of population; therefore its size isn’t mentioned in the Constitution. The Senate and the House of Representatives have equal constitution rights. Each House has the power to introduce bills on any subjects. Important bills may be suggested by the President or other executive officials.

To be elected to the Senate a person must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of the US for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state from which he or she is elected. To become a member of the House of Representatives – at least 25 years, a citizen for 7 years and a resident of the state which he represents.

There are 100 senators (represent states), and 435 members of the House of Representatives (represents district in his home state).

Senators are elected for a term of 6 years, but 1/3 is elected every 2 years (2/3 of the Senators are always persons with some legislative experience). Members of the House of Representatives are elected for 2 years (may be reelected).

Congress meets in regular sessions, beginning with January 3.

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives is the Speaker (Nancy Peloci, 2007 D). By constitution the presiding officer of the Senate is the Vice President (Joe Biden, 2007 D).

The President of the US is head of the executive power and his office is one of the most powerful in the world. Under the Constitution he must”take care, that the laws be faithfully executed”. In addition he has important legislative and judicial powers. The official residence and office of the President is in the White House.

Constitutional qualifications for the Presidency are – at least 35 years old, a resident of the country for at least 14 years and national born citizen.

The President, together with the Vice president, is elected to a 4 years term. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, in 1951, limited the Presidency to no more than 2 terms.

As head of the government (the executive branch), the president must carry out the government programmes. He has an important legislative role. He recommends laws to Congress and requests money for federal government operations. He can veto any bill passed by Congress. He is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the US. He has the authority to appoint the heads of all executive departments and agencies. Each appointment must be approved by the Senate. Under the Constitution the President is responsible for foreign relations with other nations.

The process of presidential elections: The method of electing a president is peculiar to the US. The people from each state do not vote directly for the President. They elect as many electors as this state has Senators and Representatives in the Congress. These electors are selected exclusively by the corresponding party machines. The candidate with the highest number of votes in each state wins all the electoral votes of the state.

The electors of all 50 states and the District of Columbia (3electors) –  a total of 538 persons – compose the Electoral College. The electors gather in the state capitals shortly after the election and cast their votes for the candidate with the largest number of popular votes in their respective states. To be elected President, a candidate must receive 270 votes. The Constitution provides that if no candidate has a majority, the decision should be made by the House of Representatives, with all members from a state voting as a unit. In this case, each state and the District of Columbia would be given one vote only.

Candidates for the Presidency are chosen by political parties several months before the presidential election, which is held every 4 years (leap year) on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November.

The Presidential term of 4 years begins on January 20. He starts his official duties with an inauguration ceremony, traditionally held on the steps of the Capitol, where Congress works.

 

 

 

 

 

8.The Central Southeast States. The region is blessed with plentiful rainfall and a mild climate.  Crops grow easily in its soil and can be grown without frost for at least six months of the year.4 states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Alabama became the 22nd state in 1819. Capital City: Montgomery. Largest Cities: Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile.  Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, cattle, nursery stock, peanuts, cotton, vegetables, milk, soybeans. Industry: Paper, lumber and wood products, mining, rubber and plastic products, transportation equipment, apparel. Kentucky. Capital: Frankfort. Admitted into the Union in 1792, Kentucky is the 15th state and the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the blue blossoms of the lush grass around Lexington. Kentucky is one of the border states that lie between the North and the South. Rich tobacco fields and champion race horses have long been symbols of Kentucky. Today, Kentucky is associated with coal mines, horse farms ,and racing. Kentucky Derby horse race, America's most prestigious horse race. The name "Mississippi" comes from an Indian word meaning "great waters" or "father of waters". In 1817, Mississippi was admited as the 20th state to the Union. Part of the Deep South, it was once a land of farmers and quiet towns. It is becoming a state of factory workers and busy cities. The state retains many reminders of the Old South. Agriculture: Cotton, poultry, cattle, catfish, soybeans, dairy products, rice. Industry: Apparel, furniture, lumber and wood products, food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment. In 1796, Tennessee was the first territory admitted as a state under the federal Constitution (16th state). The lonely pioneer, wearing a coonskin cap and carrying a flintlock rifle, is a symbol of Tennessee's great past. Pioneers crossed the mountains of Tennessee to settle in the wilderness. They brought  with them the spirit of independence. rugged mountains, thick forests and beautiful lakes and rivers. The capital Nashville is known as a center for country music; Memphis, Tennessee's largest city is a magnet for music fans, as the birthplace of urban blues and long-time home of Elvis.