United States Federal Government
The United States federal government is the national governing authority of the United States of America. Established by the United States Constitution, it is composed of three distinct branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities to ensure a system of checks and balances.
Executive Branch
The executive branch is headed by the President of the United States, who acts as both the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces. The President is supported by the Vice President and the Cabinet, which is composed of the heads of the federal executive departments such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice. These departments implement and enforce federal laws and policies.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch, known as the United States Congress, is a bicameral body composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress is responsible for making federal laws, approving the federal budget, and overseeing the execution of laws by the executive branch. Each chamber has specific roles, such as the Senate's power to ratify treaties and confirm presidential appointments, and the House's exclusive power to initiate revenue bills.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch interprets the laws of the United States and ensures they are applied fairly. It is headed by the Supreme Court of the United States, which has the ultimate judicial authority. Below the Supreme Court are the United States courts of appeals and United States district courts, which handle cases based on federal law and disputes between states or international parties.
Federal Agencies and Programs
The federal government consists of numerous federal agencies tasked with specific functions like the Environmental Protection Agency for environmental protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for law enforcement. Various government programs provide services and assistance to citizens, including Social Security and Medicare.
Government Shutdowns
On occasions when funding legislation is not enacted before the fiscal year begins, the federal government may experience a government shutdown. This halts non-essential governmental operations and services. Notable instances include the longest shutdown in U.S. history from 2018-2019.