Executive Power

A head of state is the highest-ranking position in a sovereign state and is vested with powers to act as the chief public representative of that state.

The executive branch is the body of the government that has its authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state. The executive branch executes, or enforces the law. The division of power into separate branches of government is central to the idea of the separation of powers.

The President of the United States has seven roles in his job, from being the Commander-In-Chief to the Guardian of the Economy.

The evolving power and enlarging scope of responsibilities have made the modern presidency a very big job. Some even say that it is impossible for one person to handle it all.

For years, Presidents had claimed executive privilege on the grounds that there was a need to protect military, diplomatic, or national security secrets. The prevailing thought was that a president cannot be forced to share with other branches of government certain conversations, actions, or information if sharing that information could place the United States foreign relations at risk.

Executive privilege is the right claimed by Presidents of the Unites States and other officials of the executive branch of government to withhold from Congress, the courts or individuals, information that has been requested or subpoenaed. Executive privilege is also invoked to prevent executive branch employees or officials from testifying in Congressional hearings.

Today, President Barack Obama invoked executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, refusing to hand over documents connected to the failed gun-trafficking operation known as "Fast and Furious."

The office of President of the United States is one of the most powerful in the world. The president, the Constitution says, must "take care that the laws be faithfully executed."

Obama's just doing what he's empowered to do

The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States. Learn more about the executive branch, its responsibilities, and the extent of its power. Afterward, take a short quiz to check your understanding of the executive branch.

From the President, to the Vice President, to the Cabinet, learn more about the Executive Branch of the government of the United States.