How many branches make up the U.S. government?

The U.S. government is composed of three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. This structure was established by the Constitution to ensure a separation of powers, which allows each branch to have distinct functions and responsibilities while providing a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, led by the President, enforces those laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws and adjudicates legal disputes, primarily through the court system.

This division into three branches is fundamental to the operation of the U.S. government and reflects a core principle of American democracy intended to protect individual liberties and promote accountability. Understanding this tripartite structure is crucial for grasping the framework of governance in the United States.