07.10.13

The United States of America

General knowledge

• Part of the border between Mexico and the U.S.A is created by Rio Grande river. In the Northern part (between Canada and the U.S.A) there are no stores and petrol stations within the border.

• Atlantic Ocean surrounds the country.

• Administrative division of the country…

• Population over 300.000.000 (crossed in 2005)

• Capital city Washington D.C. (District of Columbia ) Washington was established on the piece of land that was cut out from the state of Virginia. By doing this that this particular piece of land has become independent.

6.FIVE LARGEST CITIES

• New York

• Los Angeles

• Philadelphia

• Chicago

• San Francisco

7.Language

• The American constitution does not even mention the English language(it is not the official language). It's usage has a cultural roots (first settlers )

• Predominately English with a sizable Spanish speaking minority (Hispanics - people who come from Mexico or Cuba end enter the U.S.A illegally . They don't want to assimilate and do not speak English. However, some of them are bilingual . )

8.Political system

• representative democracy (posłowie i senatorzy- counterpart)

• chief of the state- President

9.National symbols

They make Americans recognizable (worldwide) . Each of the symbols is connected with stories and legends concerning they creation.

The Old Glory

• The flag represents the growth of the nation

• 13 horizontal stripes - There were 13 original colonists who created the country.

• 50 white stars in the blue square - they represent 50 states

• Red colour means courage

• Blue colour means loyalty

• White colour means liberty

• Designed by George Washington (the first president of the U.S.A)

• The first flag was made by Betsy Rose (była szwaczką ). She suggested 5-pointed stars instead of original 6-pointed .

• Popular names : The Stars and Stripes , The Old Glory (nickname).

The Great Seal of the U.S.A

• The bald eagle (native to the American continent) .

• The eagle is holding an olive branch (left talon - ) and a pack of arrows (a symbol of war - right talon) .

• In the mouth of the eagle there is a white ribbon with inscription on it ( E PLURIBS UNUM - OUT OF MANY ONE - one country created out of many others )

• It has to be put in all official documents that are signed by the president ( an authorisation )

UNCLE SAM (The initials of the United States - Uncle Sam )

• 1812-1814 War with Britain ( war for Canada). He supplied the U.S.A army with food (a meat merchant ? )

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