Executive << ehg ZEHK yuh tihv >> is the branch of government that enforces the laws. The United States Constitution divides the work of government into three parts, legislative, executive, and judicial. Congress has the duty of legislation, or passing laws; the courts have the duty of judging; and the United States president is the chief executive, who carries out the laws. The individual states divide the work of government in a similar way, with the governor as executive.
In a monarchy, a king or queen today typically serves as a symbolic head of state. The true executive is usually a prime minister who serves as head of government.
See also Cabinet; Governor general; President.
