The separation of powers in the U.S. government divides authority among which branches?

The separation of powers in the U.S. government is a foundational principle established by the Constitution that divides government authority among three distinct branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. This framework is designed to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power and to ensure a system of checks and balances.

The Executive branch is responsible for enforcing and administering laws, headed by the President. The Legislative branch is tasked with creating laws, which is primarily conducted by Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Judicial branch interprets laws and provides justice, including the Supreme Court and lower federal courts. This division allows each branch to function independently while providing mechanisms for oversight and accountability, thereby fostering a balance of power within the government.

Other options mentioned do not represent the established framework of U.S. governance. Federal, State, and Local refers to different levels of government rather than branches. Administrative, Legislative, and Enforcement lacks the essential Judicial component required for a complete separation of powers. Judicial, Executive, and Regulatory does not properly categorize the branches as outlined in the Constitution. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the fundamental structure of the U.S. government.