Which of the following is NOT a branch of government?

The correct answer is the Parliamentary Branch, as it does not exist as a distinct branch of government in the United States political system. Instead, the U.S. government is divided into three main branches: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.

The Legislative Branch, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, is responsible for making laws. The Judicial Branch interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly, with the Supreme Court being the highest authority in this area. The Executive Branch, led by the President, is in charge of enforcing laws and managing the country’s affairs.

The term "Parliamentary Branch" is often associated with parliamentary systems of government, such as those in the United Kingdom, where the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it. This structure differs significantly from the separation of powers established in the U.S. Constitution, where each branch operates independently to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.