branches of government

Cultural  

1. The division of government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In the case of the federal government, the three branches were established by the Constitution. The executive branch consists of the president, the cabinet, and the various departments and executive agencies. The legislative branch consists of the two houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, and their staff. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and the other federal courts.

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Example Sentences

In a statement given to police, Vorcaro said he had "friends in all branches of government."

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Since the 1800s, our elected branches of government have created independent bodies like the FTC to implement laws that address industrial life and commerce—think nuclear power, children’s toy safety, deceptive advertising, bank solvency.

From Slate • Dec. 11, 2025

One major difference between the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian: The Kennedy Center’s board is appointed by the president, but the Smithsonian’s board consists of officials representing all three branches of government.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

Obviously, it depends upon the agreed-upon norm by all three branches of government as well as the states that the federal judiciary is the ultimate interpreter of the U.S.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2025

Theresa had begun her internship; they had all studied up on the three branches of government, and so advanced from permanent residents to citizens.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen