Government

Government at both the federal and state level is divided into three branches：the legislative，the executive and the judicial.The legislative branch makes law，the executive branch applies and enforces the law，and the judicial branch interprets the law.The legislative power is exercised by Congress，the executive power by the President，and the judicial power by the Supreme Court.

The three branches are independent of each other，and check and balance against each other.No one of the three branches is able to dominate the others.Congress can shut down the government by refusing to provide money.This has happened a number of times in the history of the country，most recently in 2013.In addition，Congress has the power of impeachment to remove from office the President and Justices of the Supreme Court.The President can check the power of Congress by ejecting bills passed by Congress.The Supreme Court exercises checks by judicial review;it can strike down laws passed by Congress and signed by the President.