Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over the territory. The opposite of independence is the status of a dependent territory.
Depending on the state. If it's a four year federal sentence you will have to do 85% ,or they takeoff 54 days a year for good behavior. Most states abdopted the NERA Act for federal funding (No Early Release Act). Meaning if you're incarcerated for a violent crime you will be required to do 85% of your sentence.
In downplaying his vacation, Obama's team is responding to a very American idea -- that time off is time wasted, or at least will be criticized as such by others. A 2012 study found that many U.S. workers do not take even their allotted time, on average leaving nine days of vacation on the table.