
Chapter 2
To prevent any one part of the government from becoming too powerful, the Constitution divides the federal government into three branches: the Legislative (Congress), the Executive (the President and Vice President), and the Judicial (the Supreme Court and other federal courts). This creates a system of 'checks and balances' or 'separation of powers.' Congress makes federal laws and consists of the Senate (100 members, 2 per state) and the House of Representatives (435 members, based on state population). The President enforces the laws, commands the military, and can veto bills, while the Supreme Court interprets the laws to ensure they agree with the Constitution. Under federalism, some powers belong specifically to the national government, while others are reserved for the states.
"The executive branch of the government is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States. The President is the head of the executive branch and serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Along with the President, the Vice President and the Cabinet help carry out these executive duties. The President is also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, possessing significant authority in national defense. Furthermore, the executive branch plays a critical role in conducting foreign policy and managing federal agencies."