Government
Who governs what?
Federal, state and local governments, the three branches, and why one address can sit inside several governments at once.
Start with
What does the federal government do?
The federal government handles national matters the Constitution assigns to it, such as defense, money and trade between states. Congress makes federal laws, the president carries them out, and federal courts decide cases under them.
Government
How does state government work?
Every US state has its own constitution, governor, legislature and courts. Learn what states decide and which state officials voters elect.
Government
What is the difference between a county, a city, a township and a school district?
One address can sit inside a county, a city or township, a school district and special districts. Learn what each local government does.
Government
What are the three branches of the US government?
Congress makes laws, the president carries them out and the courts decide cases. See what each branch does and how it can check the other two.