The U.S. political system is a federal system of government, meaning power is divided between the national and state governments. It operates under a Constitution that outlines the structure and functions of government, including three branches: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities to ensure a system of checks and balances. The Legislative Branch consists of two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making laws. The Executive Branch, led by the President, enforces these laws, while the Judicial Branch interprets them through the court system. This framework aims to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.