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United States governmental power and functions are carried out by three branches
of government: legislative, judicial, and executive.
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Executive Branch
The executive branch of the government is
responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. The president, vice president,
department heads (cabinet members), and heads of independent agencies carry
out this mission.
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Judicial Branch
Courts decide arguments about the meaning of laws
and how they are applied. They also decide if laws violate the
Constitution—this is known as judicial review, and it is how federal courts
provide checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches.
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Legislative Branch
Article I of the Constitution establishes the
legislative or law making branch of government. It has a two-branch
Congress—the Senate and the House of Representatives—and agencies that support
Congress.
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