Should we be afraid? The United States is preparing for its presidential election. Some believe that the result will shape the future of democracy.
Nine days that will change the world
Accusations fly: Seventy percent of Americans think elected officials should avoid aggressive language — but Republicans are more likely to find it acceptable than Democrats. Glossary
Democrat - A member of the Democratic party, the left-leaning US political party.
Donald Trump - An American politician, media personality, and businessman serving as the 47th president of the United States since January 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
President - In some countries, the leader is called the president.
Government - The group of people who govern - or lead - the country.
Immigrants - People who have moved into one country from another.
Climate change - Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.
Abortions - The deliberate ending of pregnancy.
Swing states - In the USA, states that sometimes vote for Republican presidential candidates and sometimes vote for Democrats. Which way the swing states go will decide who wins an election.
Dictator - A ruler who has total power, and has often taken power by force.
Democracy - A system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.
Laws - Rules that everyone must follow.
Exaggerating - Describing something as being better, worse or bigger than it really was.