The three branches of government refer to the separate but equal powers assigned to three branches - legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court) - in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Related terms
Checks and Balances: This term refers to mechanisms in place that allow each branch of government to limit or influence actions taken by other branches.
Separation of Powers: This principle ensures that each branch has distinct powers without overlapping so that no single branch can control all aspects of governance.
Impeachment: A formal process used by Congress to accuse high-level officials (e.g., President) of misconduct and potentially remove them from office.