Which of the following is NOT a branch of the U.S. government?

The correct answer is that the military is not considered a branch of the U.S. government. The government is structured around three main branches: the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and is composed of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The judicial branch interprets and applies the law through the court system, ensuring justice and protecting the rights of individuals. The executive branch, led by the President, is tasked with enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the government.

While the military plays a crucial role in national defense and security and operates under the Department of Defense, it does not function as an independent branch of government. Instead, it is considered part of the executive branch. This distinction highlights the separation of powers that is fundamental to the U.S. government's design, ensuring that no single entity can hold too much power. Understanding this structure is essential for comprehending how the U.S. government is designed to operate and maintain checks and balances among its branches.