Which of the following is a branch of the United States government?

The judicial branch is one of the three primary branches of the United States government, alongside the executive and legislative branches. Its primary responsibility is to interpret the law and administer justice. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, which handle cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, and disputes between states.

Judicial independence is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly without influence from the executive or legislative branches. This structure aims to provide a system of checks and balances that supports democracy and protects individual rights.

In contrast, while the military is a vital part of the government responsible for national defense, it does not constitute a separate branch of government. The economic and social aspects mentioned in the other choices do not represent branches of government either; instead, they are areas of public policy or societal framework influenced by government activities and regulations.