The Executive Branch
The Power of Enforcement
The Executive Branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress. While the President is the head of this branch, it also includes the Vice President, the Cabinet, and millions of federal employees working in various agencies and departments.
Current Leadership
Donald J. Trump
47th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
As head of state and Commander-in-Chief, the President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and appointing the heads of federal agencies.
J.D. Vance
50th VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The Vice President supports the President and is ready to assume the Presidency if needed. He also serves as the President of the Senate, casting the deciding vote in ties.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is an advisory body made up of the heads of the 15 executive departments. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Key positions include:
The Secretary of State is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser and leads the State Department. Responsible for implementing U.S. foreign policy, representing the U.S. abroad, and negotiating with foreign governments.
The Secretary of the Treasury manages federal finances, collects taxes, manages government debt, and advises the President on economic policy. Also oversees the IRS and the U.S. Mint.
The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy adviser to the President and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and all matters relating to the Department of Defense.
The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice, chief law enforcement officer of the federal government, and legal adviser to the President and executive branch.
Manages America's natural resources and cultural heritage, oversees national parks, and handles relations with Native American tribes.
Develops and executes federal policies on farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. Oversees food safety, rural development, and nutrition programs.
Promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards. Oversees the Census Bureau, Patent Office, and NOAA.
Responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and labor statistics.
Protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services. Oversees the FDA, CDC, NIH, and Medicare/Medicaid programs.
Responsible for national policies and programs addressing housing needs, fair housing opportunities, and community development.
Oversees federal highway, aviation, rail, maritime, and transit programs. Ensures safe, efficient, and modern transportation systems.
Responsible for energy policy, nuclear weapons security, and scientific research. Promotes energy security and technological innovation.
Establishes policy for, administers, and coordinates federal assistance to education. Collects data and promotes educational research.
Responsible for administering benefit programs for veterans, including healthcare, disability compensation, education, and home loan guarantees.
Responsible for protecting the nation from threats, securing borders, enforcing immigration laws, and coordinating disaster response.
Assists the President in preparing the federal budget and oversees executive branch agencies. Evaluates the effectiveness of agency programs.
Serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community and principal adviser to the President on intelligence matters related to national security.
Leads the CIA in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating foreign intelligence to help the President and senior policymakers make national security decisions.
Develops and coordinates U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and oversees trade negotiations with other countries.
Protects human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Oversees environmental research.
Supports small businesses through loans, contracts, counseling sessions, and disaster assistance. Advocates for small business concerns.
Primary Responsibilities & Powers
National Defense
As Commander-in-Chief, the President directs the movements of the military and makes crucial national security decisions.
Diplomacy
The Executive Branch conducts diplomacy with other nations, negotiates treaties (ratified by the Senate), and represents the U.S. abroad.
Appointments
The President appoints federal judges, ambassadors, and heads of government agencies, subject to Senate confirmation.
Executive Orders
The President can issue Executive Orders, which have the force of law, to direct federal agencies and officials in their execution of congressionally established laws.
Legislation
The President can sign bills into law or veto legislation passed by Congress. The State of the Union address sets the legislative agenda.
Pardons
The President has the power to grant pardons and reprieves for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment.