My name is Kunta and I live in an African country called Rwanda. In my country there are 2 (two) major tribes, the Hutu and the Tutsi. I belong to the Tutsi tribe. Members of my tribe have been constantly slaughtered by the Hutu ruled government. 3 years ago the Hutu and my tribe began a war that is now called Rwandan Genocide. My friend and his family were killed because of this horrible war...........
....... What is it like in the United States of America and what
is your government like?
Dear Kunta ,
Here in America we have a system called Democracy. This means that the people rule the government (or rule by the people). The powers of the government are based on whether or not the citizens agree. If the citizens of America do not agree with how the current government is running the country the we retain the right to change or abolish the government. The citizens that register can vote for one of the candidates running for office.
The way issues are decided is by will of the majority. This means that majority rules (51%) in both the house of Representatives and the Senate. Most issues are settled through negotiation between the people that we voted into office (for example, when the Senate votes for a law, two-thirds of the members have to vote in order for the law to pass). This happens only when overriding the president's veto. If the majority rules, the rights of the minority are still protected. If a member of the senate proposes a bill (which is a proposed law) both the senate and the house must pass it for the bill to become the law of the land.
That should give you a better idea of how our countries government works. Thank you for telling us about your country's government. It was very interesting. Please write back soon.
Your friends in America.
Newsweek. August 1, 1994 "A Race with Death." pg. 26-32
Time Magazine. May 16,1994 "The Killing Fields of Rwanda." pp. 56-63.
Time Magazine. August 1,1994 "Cry The Forsaken Country." pp. 28-37.
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