The Three Branches of U.S. Government
The U.S. Constitution creates three branches - legislative makes laws, executive enforces them, judicial interprets them - with checks and balances. This structure repeats at state and local levels.
How this supports CIPP/US study
Use this lesson to identify the legal source, actor, data and activity before applying a rule to a scenario. Continue with the CIPP/US exam format and blueprint.
The U.S. Constitution establishes the framework of the legal system, creating three branches of government designed to provide a separation of powers with checks and balances. These branches are also generally found at the state and often the local levels.
| Branch | Purpose | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative | Makes laws | Congress (House and Senate) |
| Executive | Enforces laws | President, vice president, cabinet, federal agencies (such as the FTC) |
| Judicial | Interprets laws | Federal courts |
Aside from passing laws, Congress can override presidential vetoes and the Senate confirms presidential appointees. The president has veto power over laws and the power to appoint federal judges. The judiciary determines whether laws are constitutional.
When Congress delegates authority, a federal agency can exercise power characteristic of all three branches: legislative power to issue rules, executive power to investigate and enforce, and judicial power to settle disputes.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “Legislative branch”?
What is “Executive branch”?
What is “Judicial branch”?
What is “Separation of powers”?
Sources and study method
This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.