The state of Pennsylvania on the US map can be seen in the northeastern region of the state. The main industrial city here is Pittsburgh, the surroundings of which are very rich in huge deposits of various minerals. As of today, the state is one of the most developed regions in the entire country.
First Europeans
Pennsylvania is the state where the Dutch and Swedes became the first settlers from Europe. In 1681, the English Quaker William Penn received a spacious territory as a gift from King Charles II, which was located on the western side of the Delaware River. A year later, he founded a colony, which later became a refuge for Protestants and others who were persecuted for their faith. Some time later, William founded the city of Philadelphia, which eventually became one of the most developed in the United States.
Civil War and Independence
At a time when the civil war was engulfedall of North America, the state of Pennsylvania took an active part in it and found itself in the very epicenter of hostilities. Here, its representatives were on the side of the "northerners". Many historians argue that the battle that took place near Gettysburg in the month of July 1863 was a turning point in the confrontation. Nearly 43,000 people on both sides died as a result of the battle.
In 1776, the state constitution was officially adopted. At the same time in Philadelphia, during the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Eleven years later, the Union Constitution was also ratified. Pennsylvania is the state for which the post-war period was marked by the most rapid industrial and economic development, the consolidation of the ruling state forces, as well as population growth, compared to other regions.
Political structure
The local capital is Harrisburg. It is home to about 530 thousand inhabitants. According to the current political system, Pennsylvania is a state governed by a bicameral parliament. It consists of 50 deputies of the Legislative Assembly (they are re-elected once every four years), as well as 203 deputies of the House of Representatives (they are re-elected every two years). There is also a governor here. His term of office is four years, while re-election to the post can be re-elected only once. It should be noted that, since the fifties of the last century, "Republicans" and "Democrats"represented in the Pennsylvania Parliament in roughly equal proportions.
Judicial power in the region belongs to the Supreme Court. It consists of a chairman and six members. They are elected for a period of ten years. Among other things, the state is divided locally into 66 separate districts. At the head of each of them is a council of three justices of the peace.
Names
Officially, the state is called the Commonwe alth of Pennsylvania. So it is indicated in all state documents and on maps. The region has a reputation as a great place that is perfect for studying, working and relaxing. At the same time, we must not forget that it is the birthplace of US independence. In this regard, another name that Pennsylvania has, the “Keystone State” (in other words, “Keystone State”), has become quite common and practically the second official one. This name contains a great love and respect of the inhabitants of the country for the region, which played one of the main roles in the victory of the American Revolution.
Pennsylvania nowadays
As of today, Pennsylvania is one of the most prosperous states in the US. Its population is over twelve million people. This is the sixth indicator in the country. The basis for the local economy is agriculture. In addition to it, such industries as high-tech production and mining are quite developed.
The state boasts a fairly lowthe level of crime and unemployment, the high standard of living of local citizens, as well as first-class he althcare and educational systems. All these aspects give the right to boldly call Pennsylvania an excellent place for all kinds of activities and recreation. People feel comfortable and cozy both in large metropolitan areas and in small remote communities.
Sights, tourism and leisure
The largest and most developed metropolitan areas that Pennsylvania has are the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They are also the largest industrial and port centers of the region. There is nothing surprising in the fact that most of the local attractions are concentrated on their territory. Thanks to its rich history and beautiful scenery, the state attracts more than one hundred million tourists every year. They have the opportunity to visit approximately 120 national parks and ten thousand square meters of forests.
One of the most interesting places for travelers is the world-famous battlefield and Eisenhower's house, located in Gettysburg. Winemaking can be singled out as a separate line in the local economy and history. In this regard, a significant share of the tourism sector is concentrated on this aspect. For tourists who visit the state, a number of appropriate routes are provided. Among other things, fairs and festivals dedicated to winemaking are held annually in the region.
Interesting facts
Pennsylvania isthe only mid-Atlantic state in the US that does not have access to the sea. Be that as it may, this did not prevent the region from becoming one of the main political and economic centers of the state at the dawn of its existence.
In the North American region, the state was one of the first to pass a law related to the emancipation of slaves. It happened in 1790.
The state motto of Pennsylvania is "Liberty, Virtue and Independence!".
In the US, each of the states has its own symbols. For Pennsylvania, these are mountain laurel flower, palia fish, and Pennsylvania firefly. Do not forget that the world-famous groundhog Phil, who predicts the weather, lives here.
