U.S. Federal Government
Official information and services from the U.S. government
The three branches of U.S. government—legislative, judicial, and executive—carry out governmental power and functions. View a complete diagram (.PDF) of the U.S. government's branches.
A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies
Government departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions, committees, and offices
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.
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.
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.
U.S. States |
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U.S. Territories and Outlying Areas |
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American Hometowns – Cities, Counties, and Towns
Visit America's cities, counties, towns, and communities online by starting at the one of the directories below.