executive branch

/ɛgˈzɛkjuɾɪv bræntʃ/

/ɛgˈzɛkjutɪv brɑntʃ/

Other forms: executive branches

The executive branch of the government is responsible for carrying out, or executing, the laws. The key member of the executive branch of the United States government is the President.

You know how an executive runs a business? That might help you remember that the executive branch of government is in charge of the country, because that branch includes the President. The executive branch carries out the laws, which are made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch. Every four years, an election determines who will be in the executive branch, also known as the Executive Office of the President.

Definitions of executive branch

1. noun

   the branch of the United States government that is responsible for carrying out the laws
   synonyms: Executive Office of the President

   type of:

   arm, branch, subdivision

   a division of some larger or more complex organization