The three branches of the United States government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch, primarily consisting of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate), is responsible for making laws. The executive branch is headed by the President, who enforces those laws and manages the federal government. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures they align with the Constitution. This separation of powers is designed to provide checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.