Understanding How the U.S. Government Works

The United States government is built on the idea of democracy, where the people have the power to make decisions through representatives. The U.S. Constitution is the foundation of this system, outlining the structure and powers of government and protecting the rights of its citizens.

Three Branches of Government

The government is divided into three branches:

• Legislative: Makes laws (Congress: Senate & House of Representatives)
• Executive: Enforces laws (President, Vice President, Cabinet)
• Judicial: Interprets laws (Supreme Court and other courts)

This separation helps ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful—a system called checks and balances.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They protect freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Why Does It Matter?

Knowing how the government works helps you understand how laws are made, how leaders are chosen, and how your rights are protected.