US midterms : On November 3, the largest economy in the world — the United States — is scheduled to conduct its midterm elections. The outcome of these midterms dictates the balance of power in the American national legislature, state governorships, and thousands of local offices. Both the American Senate and House of Representatives — the two bodies which comprise Congress — are set to witness strong competition.

India functions as a Parliamentary democracy and does not follow the system of midterm elections, but in the US, they can have a major impact on policy decisions even when the government remains the same. We explain.

The US federal — or central — government is divided into three branches.

The Executive comprises the President — currently Donald Trump — and his administration.

The Legislative, directly elected by the people, is the US Congress composed of the US Senate and the US House of Representatives. Lastly, the judiciary is the Supreme Court and federal judiciary.…