Executive Branch

The Executive Branch carries out and enforces the laws passed by Congress.

Last verified: June 2026

Key Facts

Who: The President, Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies
Term: 4 years, maximum 2 terms (22nd Amendment).

About the Executive Branch

The Executive Branch carries out and enforces the laws passed by Congress. Headed by the President, it includes the Vice President, the Cabinet (heads of 15 executive departments), and hundreds of federal agencies.

Key Powers

Sign or veto legislation
Command the armed forces
Issue executive orders
Negotiate treaties
Appoint federal judges
Appoint Cabinet secretaries
Grant pardons for federal crimes
Deliver the State of the Union
Call special sessions of Congress

Checks and Balances

How the Executive Branch checks the others:

→ LegislativeVeto legislation, call special sessions, recommend legislation

→ JudicialNominate federal judges, grant pardons

How the other branches check the Executive:

Legislative →Override vetoes (2/3 vote), control funding, confirm appointments, impeach the president

Judicial →Declare executive actions unconstitutional, issue injunctions

U.S. Presidents→Vice Presidents→Federal Agencies→Constitution Article II→

Executive Branch

Key Facts

About the Executive Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Executive Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Executive:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch

Executive Branch

Key Facts

About the Executive Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Executive Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Executive:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch