The U.S. government is the system by which the United States is governed. It is made up of three main branches: the Legislative, which creates laws; the Executive, which enforces laws; and the Judicial, which interprets laws. This structure helps ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful, promoting a balance known as checks and balances. The government operates under the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of government officials. Citizens participate in the democratic process by voting for their representatives, such as Congress members and the President, who make decisions on their behalf.