The rule of law is the restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws. It is the authority and influence of law in society, especially when viewed as a constraint on individual and institutional behavior. The rule of law influenced the creation of the US government because it created a framework for American government, establishing three separate branches so that each branch would be independent and balanced among the others. These branches were the legislative, judicial, and executive. The legislative branch of government contains the parliament - the body with the legislative power to make laws, the judicial branch is in charge of deciding the meaning of laws, how to apply them to real situations, and whether a law breaks the rules of the Constitution, and the executive branch carries out and enforces laws.