I.

Introduction

Executive Branch, the branch of the United States government devoted to administering and enforcing the country’s laws. The country’s laws are written by the legislative branch (Congress), approved by the president of the United States, and subject to interpretation by the judicial branch. The executive branch has 15 major departments and scores of separate agencies.

Executive branch agencies, departments, and other entities are all bureaucracies—large organizations composed of clerks, administrators, and other workers. Executive branch bureaucracies disperse funds, manage programs, provide services, and enforce regulations and laws. They also make rules that have the force of law behind them. Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution of the United States makes the president the head of the executive branch. In addition, laws give the president specific powers over a wide range of matters.