Executive Enforces the laws Executive Branch The executive branch enforces laws passed by the legislature. The governor is elected to be the head of the executive branch in the state. The governor has power to sign or veto laws passed by the legislature.

The executive branch carries out and enforces laws. It includes the president, vice president, the Cabinet, executive departments, independent agencies, and other boards, commissions, and committees. American citizens have the right to vote for the president and vice president through free, confidential ballots.

Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress. Fifteen executive departments — each led by an appointed member of the President’s Cabinet — carry out the day-to-day administration of the federal government.

The president has the authority to negotiate treaties with other nations. These formal international agreements do not go into effect, however, until ratified by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. The president’s veto power is an important check on Congress.

The United States Constitution provides that the president “shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur” (Article II, section 2).

Distinguishing Treaties From Executive Agreements Only if the Senate ratifies a treaty by a two-thirds majority may the treaty enter into force. International agreements that enter into force without the advice and consent of the Senate are often referred to generically as “executive agreements.”

Check all that apply. How does the Constitution limit the power of the president as commander in chief? It grants power to declare war to Congress.