Executive power is the authority vested in the executive branch of government to enforce and carry out the laws and manage public affairs. It primarily involves the power to execute laws passed by the legislature and oversee the administration of government functions

. In democratic systems, executive power is exercised by leaders who govern with the consent of the citizens, respecting legal limits established by constitutions and elections. This power is generally constrained by checks and balances involving the legislative and judicial branches, ensuring no single branch dominates

. The scope of executive power varies by political system:

• In systems with separation of powers (e.g., the U.S.), the executive enforces laws, commands the military, negotiates treaties (with legislative approval), appoints officials, issues executive orders, and can veto legislation, but is limited by legislative and judicial oversight

• In parliamentary systems (e.g., the UK), the executive is typically formed by the majority party in the legislature, and its power depends on legislative support. The executive and legislature are closely linked, and the executive's authority is subject to parliamentary sovereignty and judicial review

Historically and constitutionally, the essential meaning of executive power is the power to execute the laws. The president or chief executive not only enforces laws but also controls other government officers who carry out federal law, making the executive branch the central authority in law enforcement

. In summary, executive power is the legal and political authority to implement laws, manage government operations, and direct national policy, subject to constitutional limits and oversight by other branches of government.