AP Gov's Epic Power Struggle: Who Really Runs The Country?

Ever wonder who really holds the power in Washington D.C.? Is it the President, Congress, or the Supreme Court? The answer, as you'll discover for your AP Government exam, is complicated. The U.S. government isn't a monarchy or a one-person show; it's a carefully designed, high-stakes balancing act. The Founders created a system of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent any single part of the government from becoming too dominant. Think of it less as three separate entities and more as a constant, strategic tug-of-war. Understanding this dynamic is not just crucial for acing your exam—especially the FRQs—but for understanding the headlines you see every day.