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have concurrent powers. That is, they both have the right to exercise
authority.
The American judicial system keeps the federal and state
governments within their proper fields of power.
The United States government makes and enforces laws, collects
taxes, provides services for the people, protects individuals and their
property, and works for national and international security. But it is noted
for the way it encourages the people to take part in government, seeks to
protect the rights of the people from the government itself, and assures the
self-government of the states.

The executive branch
The executive branch of the United States government consists of
the Executive Office of the President, the executive departments, and the
Independent Agencies.
The President of the United States is the nation's chief executive and
head of state. The President lives in the White House in Washington, D.C,
and has offices there.
As chief executive, the President has the responsibility of enforcing
federal laws, appointing and removing high federal officials. The
President commands the armed forces, conducts foreign affairs, and
recommends laws to Congress. The President also appoints American
representatives to international organizations and to diplomatic missions in
other lands. As chief of state, the President performs many ceremonial
duties. Elected by the people to hold office for a four-year term, the
President cannot be elected to more than two terms.

The legislative branch
The legislative branch of the United States government includes
Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Congress makes, repeals, and amends federal laws. It also levies
federal taxes and appropriates funds for the government.
The Senate has 100 members. Each state, regardless of size or
population, has two senators, who serve six-year terms. The vice-President
of the United States presides over the Senate. The Senate has certain
exclusive powers. It alone can sit as a court of impeachment to try federal
officials impeached by the House of Representatives. It alone has the
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