How does the US government work?

The United States government is a federal system composed of three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. This structure is designed to ensure a balance of power through a system of checks and balances, as established by the U.S. Constitution. 1. **Legislative Branch:** This branch is responsible for making laws and is embodied by Congress, which is divided into two chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has 435 members representing districts based on population, while the Senate has 100 members, two from each state. Congress passes legislation, controls federal spending, and has the power to declare war, among other duties. 2. **Executive Branch:** Headed by the President, this branch enforces and administers federal laws. The President serves as both the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The executive branch also includes the Vice President, the Cabinet (heads of federal departments), and various federal agencies that carry out day-to-day government operations. 3. **Judicial Branch:** This branch interprets laws and ensures they comply with the Constitution. It is headed by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country, which has the power to review laws and executive actions to determine their constitutionality. Below the Supreme Court are lower federal courts that handle cases involving federal law. Together, these three branches work independently but interact closely to govern the country effectively, protect citizens' rights, and uphold the rule of law. Additionally, the U.S. system includes a division of powers between the federal government and individual state governments, each with its own responsibilities and authority.

The United States government is a federal system divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation of powers is designed to ensure a system of checks and balances, where no single branch becomes too powerful. 1. **Legislative Branch:** This branch is responsible for making laws and is composed of Congress, which has two chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has members based on population from each state, serving two-year terms, while the Senate has two members from each state, serving six-year terms. Congress debates, creates, and passes legislation that affects the entire country. 2. **Executive Branch:** Headed by the President, the executive branch enforces the laws passed by Congress. The President serves as both the head of state and government, and is supported by the Vice President, the Cabinet, and various federal agencies. The President also acts as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and has powers such as vetoing legislation and conducting foreign policy. 3. **Judicial Branch:** This branch interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly. It is made up of the court system, with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. The Supreme Court and other federal courts review laws and executive actions to determine if they align with the U.S. Constitution. Together, these branches work within a federal framework where certain powers are shared between the national government and individual states. This structure promotes democracy, accountability, and the rule of law in the United States.