Title: The Basic Structure of the U.S. Federal Government
Headings: Government 101: The United States Federal Government
Government 101: The United States Federal Government
A Look at the U.S. Government's Basic Structure and Functions
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
Federalism in the United States

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The Executive Branch
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The Executive Branch of government is headed by the President of the United States. He also acts as the head of state in diplomatic relations and as Commander-in-Chief for all U.S. branches of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress. Further, he appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet, to ensure legislation is executed. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch. He must be ready to assume the presidency should the need arise. As the next in line for succession, he might become President should the current one die or become incapacitated while in office or the unthinkable process of impeachment occurs. As a key part of the Executive Branch, the 15 federal executive departments develop, enforce, and oversee the voluminous rules and regulations currently in force in the United States. As the administrative arms of the President of the United States, the executive departments make up the president’s advisory Cabinet. The heads of the executive departments—known as “Secretaries”—are appointed by the president and take office after confirmation by the United States Senate .