Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
executive
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Read Next
The United States Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.
14 Questions About Government in the United States Answered
Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson stand by President Lyndon B. Johnson as he takes the oath of office aboard Air Force One after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963.
Who Becomes President After the President and Vice President?
President Barack Obama signs the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans Executive Order in the Oval Office, July 26, 2012
What Is an Executive Order?
Artwork for themes for Pro-Con articles.
Pro and Con: Electoral College
"On the threshold of office--what have we to expect of him?" chromolithograph by Joseph Keppler, September 1881. Print shows the members of the assassinated James A. Garfield's cabinet looking at the new president, Chester Arthur. Chester A. Arthur.
The Surprisingly Disorderly History of the U.S. Presidential Succession Order
Discover
Queen Elizabeth II addresses at opening of Parliament. (Date unknown on photo, but may be 1958, the first time the opening of Parliament was filmed.)
All 119 References in “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Explained
Candles Burning On Table In Church
What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?
Submerged sperm whale off east Sri Lanka coast, mammal
How Did the Sperm Whale Get Its Name?
Flags of the countries of the world (flagpoles).
How Many Countries Are There in the World?
Figure 13: A Maxim machine gun, belt-fed and water-cooled, operated by German infantrymen, World War I.
7 Deadliest Weapons in History
Statue of Nostradamus
Nostradamus and His Prophecies
Marriage. A couple getting married during a church wedding ceremony. (religion, ceremony, bride, groom)
The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church

executive

government
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/topic/executive-government
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: executive branch
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History

News •

CoG: William Ruto a threat to devolution • Apr. 22, 2025, 8:52 PM ET (The Standard)
Neither Parliament nor Executive, Constitution is supreme: Kapil Sibal hits back at Jagdeep Dhankhar • Apr. 22, 2025, 12:16 AM ET (The Hindu)
Trump officials' defiance over Abrego Garcia's deportation is 'shocking,' appeals court says • Apr. 17, 2025, 9:43 PM ET (AP)

executive, In politics, a person or persons constituting the branch of government charged with executing or carrying out the laws and appointing officials, formulating and instituting foreign policy, and providing diplomatic representation. In the U.S., a system of checks and balances keeps the power of the executive more or less equal to that of the judiciary and the legislature. See also mayor, president, prime minister.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeannette L. Nolen.