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The Three Branches of the United States Government

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The United States government is divided into three branches as outlined by the Constitution: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The capabilities of each branch is divided to ensure a separation of powers. The executive branch, headed by the President, and Congress of the legislative branch both share responsibilities to govern the nation, both domestically and abroad. In terms of foreign policy, Congress and the President have different powers that ensure that each branch works in conjunction in handling foreign affairs. The President, as Commander-in-Chief, commands the armed forces and can negotiate and sign treaties. The President also has the power to recognize foreign countries and nominate U.S. diplomats to foreign countries, a key role in the representation of the U.S. abroad. The President relies on the expert opinions of many advisors and departments in the executive branch that he personally appoints. Such departments include the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the National Security Council. As well, though an agency independent of the federal government, the CIA provides intelligence to the president and his advisors. The Department of State, headed by the secretary of State, includes ambassadors and diplomats in foreign countries that monitor foreign relations and maintain diplomatic ties. Also known as the Pentagon, the Department of Defense oversees all branches of the military and is headed by the secretary of defense.

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