Basics

• The executive branch of the U.S. enforces laws and policies made official through the legislative branch. This enforcement requires a comprehensive network of roles and responsibilities, including the president and vice president, the executive office and the cabinet.
  
  

Roles

• The president acts as as the chief executive of the executive branch, as well as chief military commander and head of state. He appoints the members of his cabinet, including the Department of Defense and the Department of State, as well as the heads of federal agencies.
  
  

History

• The beginning of the executive branch traces back to the U.S. Constitution's formation in 1787. According to "The President and the Executive Branch," the constitution and its plan for the executive branch comes largely from the input of James Madison.