Political Awareness

Contact Us

U.S. Executive Branch

The Modern U.S. Executive Branch

The Executive Branch of the United States government is by far the largest and most powerful of the three branches. With over four million personnel—including civilian employees, military personnel, diplomats, and bureaucrats—the branch extends from the President at its head to a vast network of departments and agencies. This concentration of power often makes the Executive Branch the most scrutinized branch, as it’s easier to hold the President accountable or criticize their actions than to focus on the 535 members of Congress or the nine justices of the Supreme Court. Today, the Executive Branch can be described as a political Leviathan—an enormous, often scrutinized institution—making it crucial to understand its historical development and current control.

Constitutional Foundations

Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the Executive Branch is granted its primary roles:

  • Headed by the President: The President is the chief executive of the nation.
  • Commander-in-Chief: The President commands the Army and Navy (note: the Air Force was established later as a separate branch).
  • Appointing Powers: With the approval of Congress, the President appoints diplomats, chiefs of staff, federal judges, and other key officials.
  • Veto Power: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, shaping the legislative process.

Early Foundations and Evolution

At the time of the Constitution’s drafting in 1787, there were only three executive departments:

  • State (Foreign Affairs)
  • Treasury
  • War

The young nation was smaller, less complex, and did not require a large bureaucracy. However, this limited structure laid the groundwork for how Americans viewed the Presidency—as the central figure of the federal government. The President was seen as the top-down leader of the executive authority.

As the nation expanded, so too did the scope and influence of the Presidency:

  • Civil War Era: Departments such as Interior, Agriculture, the Attorney General, and Postmaster General were established to manage the growing needs of the nation.
  • Significant Expansion: The office of the President grew more powerful during this period, reflecting increased influence over domestic and foreign affairs.

The Modern Presidency

A pivotal shift occurred during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration (1933–1945), often credited with shaping the “Modern Presidency.” FDR responded to the Great Depression by asserting greater executive authority:

  • Use of Executive Orders: FDR used executive orders to bypass Congress and push his legislative agenda, a practice that significantly increased presidential power.
  • Expansion of the Branch: The New Deal and wartime efforts led to a substantial growth in the size and scope of the federal government.
  • World War II: Congress delegated more authority to the Executive Branch to streamline war efforts, a shift that has persisted.

Today, the Presidency remains a potent force, often described as a “Leviathan” due to its vast power and influence.

Key Components of the Executive Branch (2026 Snapshot)

Under President J.D. Vance’s administration, the Executive Branch has become a behemoth. The Cabinet includes:

  • Vice President

    • The Vice President’s powers are largely dependent on the officeholder. Historically, figures like Dick Cheney wielded significant influence.
    • Current Vice President: J.D. Vance

  • Department of State

    • Responsible for U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy.
    • Established: 1780 (originally as the Department of Foreign Affairs)
    • Current Secretary: Marco Rubio

  • Department of the Treasury

    • Manages the nation’s economy, fiscal policy, and financial institutions.
    • Established: 1780
    • Current Secretary: Scott Bessent

  • Department of War

    • Oversees the U.S. Armed Forces. Formerly known as the Department of Defence, this change reflected shifting foreign policy perspectives.
    • Established: 1780
    • Current Secretary: Pete Hegseth

  • Department of Justice

    • Led by the Attorney General, it enforces federal laws and advises the President on judicial appointments.
    • Established: 1789
    • Current Attorney General: Pam Bondi

  • Department of the Interior

    • Manages federal lands, national parks, and natural resources.
    • Established: 1849
    • Current Secretary: Doug Burgum

  • Department of Agriculture

    • Focuses on farming, forestry, and food programs.
    • Established: 1889
    • Current Secretary: Brooke Rollins

  • Department of Commerce

    • Promotes economic growth, trade, and technological advancement.
    • Current Secretary: Howard Lutnick

  • Department of Labor

    • Oversees workforce standards, employment, and labor rights.
    • Current Secretary: Lori Chavez-DeRemer

  • Department of Health and Human Services

    • Manages public health and social services.
    • Current Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

  • Department of Transportation

    • Oversees national transportation systems.
    • Current Secretary: Sean Duffy

  • Department of Energy

    • Focuses on energy policy and nuclear safety.
    • Current Secretary: Chris Wright

  • Department of Education

    • Manages federal education policy.
    • Current Secretary: Linda McMahon

  • Department of Veterans Affairs

    • Provides services to military veterans.
    • Current Secretary: Doug Collins

  • Department of Homeland Security

    • Handles national security, border control, and emergency response.
    • Current Secretary: Kristi Noem

  • Environmental Protection Agency

    • Responsible for environmental regulation and conservation.
    • Current Administrator: Lee Zeldin

  • Office of Management and Budget

    • Prepares the federal budget and oversees agency performance.
    • Current Director: Russell Vought

  • Intelligence Community

    • Includes the Director of National Intelligence (Tulsi Gabbard), CIA (John Ratcliffe), and other agencies.

  • Trade and Small Business Agencies

    • U.S. Trade Representative: Jamison Greer
    • Small Business Administration: Kelly Loeffler

  • White House Staff

    • Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles

Conclusion

Compared to the modest beginnings in 1780, the U.S. Executive Branch has grown into an enormous, complex, and powerful entity—a true Leviathan—reflecting the nation’s expanded scope and global influence. Its evolution continues as it adapts to new challenges and demands.