Legislative Branch
Makes the laws. Made of the Senate (100 senators, two per state) and the House of Representatives (435 members, divided among the states by population).
See the Senate and House →
Government Visualization Website
The Constitution splits power between three branches, so that no one part of the government can act completely on its own. Congress writes the laws, the President carries them out, and the courts decide what they mean.
Executive Branch
Carries out the laws. Led by the President and Vice President, with the Cabinet and the federal departments and agencies.
See the President and Cabinet →
Judicial Branch
Interprets the laws. The Supreme Court (nine justices) sits at the top, above the federal appeals and district courts.
See the Supreme Court and appeals courts →