executive branch
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws: The executive branch is the part of a government that puts laws into action and administers the state. It is distinct from the legislative branch (which makes laws) and the judicial branch (which interprets laws).
Usage
- The term "executive branch" is used to refer to the administrative and enforcement arm of a government. It is typically headed by a president, prime minister, or governor.
- It is a formal, political term used in discussions of government structure and civics.
Examples
- Noun:
- The President is the head of the executive branch of the U.S. government.
- A new policy was announced today by the executive branch.
- The powers of the executive branch are defined by the constitution.
Advanced Usage
- "the executive": Often used as a shorter, synonymous term for the executive branch, especially in British English.
- The decision ultimately rests with the executive.
Variants and Related Words
- The Executive (noun): A collective term for the executive branch or its leadership.
- Executive power (noun phrase): The authority to implement and enforce laws, vested in the executive branch.
- Executive order (noun phrase): A directive issued by the head of the executive branch that manages operations of the government.
Synonyms
- Administration: Often used to refer to the executive branch under a particular leader (e.g., "the Biden administration").
- Government (in the narrow sense): In systems like the UK's, "the Government" specifically refers to the executive branch (the Prime Minister and Cabinet).
Related Phrases
- Checks and balances: A system where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches have powers that can limit each other.
- The judicial branch provides a check on the power of the executive branch.
- Separation of powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one group from gaining too much power. The executive branch is one of these three separate powers.
Noun
- the branch of the United States government that is responsible for carrying out the laws