Executive Branch - Explained
The Execuive Branch, Article II of the US Constitution
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 21st, 2024
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What is the Executive Branch?
The executive branch is the office of the President of the United States. It includes all Cabinets, Agencies, Offices, Bureaus, etc., that fall under the President's Authority.
How does the Executive Branch check the power of the other branches of government?
The Executive Branch checks Congress's authority through the power to veto (strike down) legislation. When Congress presents the President with an approved bill to sign into law, the President can sign it, not sign it, or veto it.
- Signing it or failing to sign it will result in the bill becoming law.
- Vetoing the law strikes it down.
- Congress can only override a veto with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of both the House and Senate.
The President, in turn, may selectively enforce laws that are within the executive branch's regulatory authority. Selective enforcement has the effect of reducing the impact of a law passed by the legislative branch.
Lastly, the executive branch checks the judicial branch by nominating members to the federal judiciary and through the power to pardon those convicted under certain criminal statutes.
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