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

While the news media is sometimes referred to as the fourth estate, alongside the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, few think of stand-up comedy as a pillar of democracy.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

The confrontation between two supposedly coequal branches of government has reached a critical stage.

From Salon • May 17, 2025

I keep hoping she’ll invite Mrs. Hameed over for coffee, or to get their nails done while they discuss the three branches of government.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan