Which of the following are branches of the U.S. government?

The correct answer identifies the three main branches of the U.S. government as Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. This structure is established by the Constitution, which divides the government's powers and responsibilities among these branches to ensure a system of checks and balances.

The Executive branch, headed by the President, is responsible for enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the government. The Legislative branch, made up of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate), is tasked with making laws. The Judicial branch interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly through the court system. This separation of powers is fundamental to the functioning of American democracy, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Other choices incorrectly include terms that do not represent branches of the U.S. government. For instance, "Parliamentary" pertains to a different system of governance primarily used in parliamentary democracies, whereas "Consultative" and "Administrative" do not correspond to established government branches in the U.S. This distinction is critical for understanding the unique framework of the American political system.