Which branches of government are defined by the Constitution?

The branches of government as defined by the Constitution are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation of powers is a fundamental principle embedded in the Constitution to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure a system of checks and balances.

The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws and is headed by the President. The legislative branch is tasked with making laws; it consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch interprets laws and administers justice through the court system, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently.

This tripartite system is crucial for maintaining democracy and the rule of law in the United States, as it ensures that governance is balanced and that different branches oversee one another's actions to prevent abuse of power.

Other options introduce branches that are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. For instance, administrative and local branches do not have a defined role within the constitutional framework, nor do diplomatic or military branches, although they may perform important functions within the government structure.