The federal and individual state governments are divided into three separate branches: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The head of state and head of government of the United States is the President of the United States. Technically, the president is not elected directly by the people. Rather, registered voters elect designated electors in their states, who in turn ultimately cast votes for one of the presidential candidates. The vice president serves a dual role in that the individual serves as second ranking officer in the executive branch as well as the president of the Senate.