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Culture and society

Modern Ameican families are nuclear families. And as kids grow older they become more independent. Most kids are pretty independent in deciding on their basic choices like what to wear, what to eat, who to hangout with by the time they are 13.

On a day to day life, most Americans are two-income families and so pretty much most American households are busy during weekdays. They enjoy TV, movies, sports (especially Sunday night Super Bowl, NBA, or college basketball), hanging out, partying with friends, eating out, or camping be it with family or friends.

History

During the 19th century, the United States gained much more land in the West and began to become industrialized. In 1861, several states in the South left the United States to start a new country called the Confederate States of America. This caused the American Civil War. After the war, Immigration resumed. Some Americans became very rich in this Gilded Age and the country developed one of the largest economies in the world.

In the early 20th century, the United States became a world power, fighting in World War I and World War II. Between the wars, there was an economic boom called the Roaring Twenties when people became richer and a bust called the Great Depression when most were poorer. The Great Depression ended with World War II. The United States and the Soviet Union entered the Cold War. This included wars in Korea and Vietnam. During this time, African-Americans, Chicanos, and women sought more rights. In the 1970s and 1980s, the United States started to make fewer things in factories. The country then went through the worst recession it had since the Great Depression. At the end of the 1980s the Cold War ended, helping the United States out of recession. The Middle East became more important in American foreign policy, especially after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Climate

The United States is a giant, geographically diverse country, and the climate varies dramatically depending on what region you're in, as well as the time of year. From Alaska's ice-cold temperatures that dip well below freezing to the extreme, arid heat in California's Death Valley, climes in the U.S. run the gamut from freezing cold to incredibly hot, and everything in between. Depending on the season, travelers can enjoy a range of activities that differ by region and climate.the Northeastern portion of the country, is characterized by mild, pleasant summer seasons and harsh, frigid winters with plenty of snowfall. Of course, the farther north you travel in New England, the colder it gets. The average temperature in summer in the Northeast is 69 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average wintertime temperature is 20 degrees. Temperatures in the Midwest – including Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois and other states – tend to fluctuate drastically depending on the season. For instance, snow and subzero temperatures are common, but so are incredibly humid summers. America's South and Southeastern regions are characterized by fairly mild winter temperatures and hot summers, with temperatures routinely climbing well into the 90s. The American Southwest – California, parts of Colorado and Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada – is made up mostly of mountains, the coast and the desert, so temperatures there range toward the extremes. Desert summers can be unbearably hot, whereas winter in states like Utah and Colorado can be brutally cold. The coastal Southwest enjoys moderate temperatures that stay the same throughout the year, thanks to the Pacific Ocean.

Government

America have a Congress, not a Parliament. Our Congress consists of a House and a Senate. (Lower [H], and Upper [S] chamber, as it were.) Both groups are directly elected by the people. The House [H] represents the specific area in a state where a citizen lives, members elected for 2 years. The Senate [S] represents the state (2 each) where the citizen lives., Members elected for 6 years. There are many more subdivisions (Representatives) in the House (435 districts) and only 100 Senators (50 states x 2).

The House brings legislation up for debate and sends the bill to the Senate. If the House and Senate agree the President signs it into a Law if he agrees. He vetoes it if he does not. The House basically is the branch that authorizes spending. The Senate basically creates legislation that is applicable every where. Like voting regulations, discrimination laws, abortion, treaties etc. The House passes legislation that more applies to one state or district. These are not the limits, just generalities.

The President is elected for 4 years, and can only serve 2 terms.

There are three co-equal branches to the U.S. government:

The Legislative: House and Senate

Create the laws.

The Executive: President

Carries out the laws.

The Judicial: Supreme Court

Reviews the laws when there is a dispute.

Public holidays

There are a number of public holidays celebrated in America. During public holidays, workplaces and education providers typically close, but retail stores, entertainment facilities and restaurants may remain open, as well as essential services such as public transport, supermarkets and petrol stations. National public holidays in Australia include the following:

America Day — 4th July:Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776.
Anzac Day — 25th April: Anzac Day recognises all those who have served Australia in times of war and conflict. It is celebrated on the day that Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed in Gallipoli, the site of a historic 1915 battle during the First World War that shaped Australia's identity as a nation. The day is celebrated with Anzac Day ceremonies that pay tribute to those who served in times of war and parade. Look out for delicious Anzac Day biscuits made of oats, coconut and sweet golden syrup. Anzac Day. On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to send my best wishes to the people of Australia and New Zealand this Anzac Day on April 25
New Year's Day — 1st January: Celebrations of the New Year begin on 31 December in the evening. Many people hold New Year parties or attend public festivities, including fireworks at midnight to welcome the new year.
Easter: Easter is a traditional Christian celebration marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in America and are celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Easter is often celebrated with religious ceremonies, the giving of Easter eggs and spending time with family, often outdoors.
Christmas Day — December 25th: Christmas Day is a traditional Christian celebration that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Common ways to celebrate Christmas include decorating the home with Christmas lights and Christmas trees, giving gifts, attending religious ceremonies, holding a family feast consisting of roast meat and Christmas pudding (or sometimes a more informal Australian barbeque) and spending time with family. Because Christmas falls during the Australian summer, many Australians like to hold their celebrations outdoors.
Boxing Day — December 26th: Boxing Day is a traditional celebration marking the day following Christmas day. It is celebrated with a day of rest and cleaning after the festivities of Christmas day, family activities and shopping, with many retailers holding their biggest sales of the year.

Individual states and cities also celebrate their own public holidays, which may include celebrations such as Labour Day, Queen's Birthday, agricultural shows