How Does the Three Branches of Government Work?

In the United States, the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—work together to ensure a system of checks and balances. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws; the legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, makes laws; and the judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Through a system of checks and balances, each branch can limit the powers of the others, maintaining a functional and fair government.