Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free PECT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The U.S. government is based on a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch has unchecked power. The three branches are the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.

The Legislative branch is responsible for making laws and is comprised of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Executive branch is tasked with enforcing laws and is headed by the President, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and is responsible for foreign policy. The Judicial branch interprets laws and includes the court system, with the Supreme Court being the highest authority in interpreting constitutional matters.

This specific structure is essential for maintaining a democratic system where power is balanced and shared among different entities, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. This understanding is foundational to grasping how the U.S. government operates.