How does the U.S. government define a family?

The U.S. government defines a family as a group of two or more people who live together and are related by birth, marriage, or adoption. This definition is grounded in recognizing the various ways that familial relationships are established and maintained within society. It emphasizes the biological, legal, and social connections that unite individuals into a family unit.

This definition captures not only those who are related by blood—such as parents and children—but also those who are connected through marriage or adoption, highlighting the diversity of family structures that exist today. By including various forms of relationships, the definition acknowledges that family can take many shapes and that legal recognition of relationships, such as through marriage or adoption, plays a significant role in defining what a family is in the legal context.

In contrast, the other options fall short of this comprehensive understanding. For example, the first option describes a living arrangement without any relation, which does not align with the traditional or legal concepts of family. The third option suggests a shared legal agreement, which could apply to relationships that may not have the deep-rooted connections that characterize a family. The fourth option refers to friends offering support, which, while valuable, does not encompass the formal and defined relationships typically associated with family units. Thus, the second