Which option accurately states the three branches of government and their core functions?

• A. Monarchy (rules nation), Senate (advises), Judiciary (writes laws).
• B. Executive (creates laws), Legislative (enforces laws), Judicial (investigates crimes).
• C. Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws).
• D. Judicial (declares war), Legislative (prints money), Executive (negotiates treaties).

Answer: (C)

Understanding how government power is divided helps explain how laws are made and applied. In a constitutional system, three branches operate with distinct duties: the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. This arrangement prevents the concentration of power and creates checks and balances: lawmakers draft and pass bills, the executive enforces them, and courts interpret their meaning and resolve disputes about them. For example, a bill becomes law only after both legislative action and executive assent, and the judiciary clarifies how that law should be applied in real cases. Other descriptions often misplace responsibilities, suggesting the executive writes laws or the judiciary enforces or creates them, or assigning duties like declaring war or printing money to the wrong branch. The clear split—legislative makes laws, executive enforces, judicial interprets—best captures how these branches function together.