Who is the head of the executive branch of the U.S. Government?

The President is the head of the executive branch of the U.S. Government. Article II of the U.S. Constitution vests executive power in the president, who is responsible for carrying out and enforcing federal laws.

The executive branch is much larger than the president alone. It includes the vice president, the Cabinet, 15 executive departments, independent agencies, and numerous boards and commissions. Cabinet secretaries advise the president and manage major departments such as Defense, State, and Health and Human Services.

A common mix-up is confusing the president with the head of another branch. Congress leads the legislative branch, while the Supreme Court heads the judicial branch in the sense that it is the nation's highest court. The president is also commander in chief of the armed forces and serves as both head of state and head of government.