Which of the following is NOT one of the three branches of government?

The correct answer is "C." The administrative branch is not recognized as one of the three primary branches of government in the United States. The United States government operates under a system that is divided into three distinct branches: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial.

The Legislative branch is responsible for making laws and is comprised of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Executive branch is tasked with enforcing laws and is headed by the President. The Judicial branch interprets laws and administers justice, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the land.

The term "administrative" often refers to various agencies and departments that operate under the Executive branch to implement and enforce regulatory policies. However, these agencies do not constitute a separate branch of government but rather function within the framework laid out by the Executive branch. Understanding this structure is essential for grasping the balance of power and the separation of responsibilities among governmental entities.