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Depending on the theory of Americain government you choose to identify with, you may interpret the US government differently.
1) Elitist Theory: The government is controlled by a small social elite. The elite does not necisarily cooperate (rarely does, in fact).
2) Pluralist: Interest groups make sure that political leaders are aware of the issues at hand. Since there are so many, there is no particular political elite since everyone gets the same ammount of say.
Note: "Elite" does not refer to the economic elite, though there is a degree of overlap. The elite are the people who are active in the political process. This includes everyone from the members of the NRA (national rifle association) to to the ALF (Animal Liberation Front). The elite often clash over issues, given their often massive gap in ideaology.
The US is a Federal Democratic Rebublic
(back on topic)
As to the discrepancy in the timeline, it is possible that 2017 is simply a discrepancy made by the staff, asuming people would assume that meant AD, or, it is possible even that whoever established the dating system made a mistake at when the empire was actually established. After all, Christ was actually born somewhere arround 4 AD, not 1 (major oops on someone's part).
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