Legislative
Makes laws and approves budgets. At the federal level, that means Congress. In states, the state legislature. Locally, councils and boards.
The Three Branches
The branches divide power so no single person or group controls the entire government.
Executive
Runs programs and enforces laws. This branch includes presidents, governors, mayors, county executives, and agencies.
Judicial
Interprets laws and decides disputes. Courts decide whether government action follows constitutions and statutes.
Checks and balances
Each branch has tools that can limit another. A legislature may pass a law, an executive may veto or enforce it, and courts may review whether it follows higher law.
Common confusion
No single branch is always "in charge." An agency rule, for example, may involve a law passed by the legislature, the agency implementing it, and a court interpreting it.