What Does the Executive Branch Do?

Understanding the role of the U.S. President

The executive branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. government, tasked with enforcing and executing the laws passed by Congress. At its core, the executive branch serves as the operational arm of the federal government, ensuring policies and laws are carried out effectively. It is headed by the President, who acts as both the Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief, but its reach extends through various departments, agencies, and entities that perform essential functions, including national defense, public safety, foreign policy, and more.

In its ideal form, the executive branch is not about power for its own sake. It is about service—serving the public by carrying out laws, protecting citizens, and fostering cooperation between states and federal systems. But this guiding principle can often become muddled by partisanship or inefficiency. The strength of the executive, wisely used, lies in its ability to unite, facilitate, and lead—not to meddle or micromanage.

Why Enter Public Service?

People often say, "I'm going into politics to help people." While this sentiment is admirable, it risks misunderstanding the true purpose of governmental roles, especially in a system built on the principles of servant leadership. Public servants are not elected to impose their personal vision of "helping people" on others, nor to serve narrow partisan interests. Instead, they are called to govern—to lead with humility, foresight, and a commitment to the greater good.

To "govern" means to create and maintain a framework that empowers individuals, communities, and states, ensuring they have the freedom and opportunity to flourish independently. Servant leadership demands focusing on sustainable solutions rather than fleeting gestures. It demands fostering trust, building systems of accountability, and acting in ways that serve the long-term interests of the nation rather than merely achieving short-term political gains.

Federalism’s Balance: National Framework, Local Independence

In an ideal Democratic Republic, individual states would thrive through self-sufficiency, relying on their local governments to address most needs specific to their populations. Meanwhile, the federal government would concern itself only with those issues that transcend state boundaries—national defense, foreign relations, disaster coordination, and social safety nets like Medicare or Medicaid. This division, often referred to as federalism, is central to the American system of governance.

While the federal government has a necessary and sometimes indispensable role, history has shown that its involvement in state or local matters can create friction, inefficiencies, or even social unrest. However, history has also demonstrated moments where federal intervention was just and necessary—examples include the Civil War or the Civil Rights Movement. In those pivotal moments, federal intervention served as a corrective force where state governments failed or actively infringed upon the rights of citizens.

The challenge, then, is finding balance. The federal government must not routinely undermine states' independence or sovereignty. Instead, it should focus on creating stability, setting fair national standards, and intervening with strength and precision only when circumstances demand it. A lean and effective federal government empowers states rather than competing with or overshadowing them.

Learning from the Past to Build a Brighter Future

How can we take inspiration from the lessons of the past without getting bogged down by it? One way is to shift our collective mindset, borrowing from President John F. Kennedy’s timeless challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

This principle transcends political divisions. It invites us to embrace a model of shared responsibility while recognizing the interconnectedness of all Americans. For this vision to succeed, we must address the following:

1. Cultivating Public Self-Reliance:For states and communities to be self-reliant, they must prioritize strong local governance, robust educational systems, economic responsibility, and systems for healthcare, labor, and infrastructure that meet local needs. Federal frameworks can guide, but responsibility ultimately rests at the state and community levels.

2. Federal Precision, Not Overreach:Federal intervention should remain limited, focusing on safeguarding freedoms, protecting national security, and ensuring justice. At the same time, the federal government must also recognize moments when its leadership is essential—when states fail to protect marginalized groups, when natural disasters overwhelm local capabilities, or when coordination is necessary to address national challenges like public health crises.

3. Promoting Civic Engagement:Our democracy thrives when citizens invest their time and talents in the system. Running for office, voting, volunteering, and staying informed are ways individuals can "do for their country." A government is only as strong as its citizens' participation.

4. Prioritizing Federal Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility:Federal inefficiency and ballooning national debt weaken the Republic, leaving us vulnerable domestically and internationally. By eliminating waste, addressing redundancy, and focusing spending on programs that deliver measurable benefits, the government can strengthen its position without micromanaging states or compromising individual freedoms.

   
   

A Vision for American Exceptionalism

When the federal government operates with efficiency and restraint, and when self-reliance flourishes at the state and local levels, we embody the principles of American Exceptionalism. This isn’t a boastful claim of superiority; it’s the belief that America becomes exceptional when its citizens have the freedom, security, and opportunity to live their best lives.

In this model, the federal government supports the states without overshadowing them. The states, in turn, take on primary responsibility for their citizens. At every level, public servants govern as servant leaders—leaders who do not seek to dominate or dictate but to collaborate and empower.

This balance fosters a spirit of optimism, unity, and pride. As citizens, when we stop asking what the government can provide for us and instead seek ways to serve our communities, we contribute to a self-sustaining system where every part—from the smallest town hall to the halls of Congress—works toward a brighter future for all.

The path forward requires courage, discipline, and a deep respect for history—not as a chain that binds us, but as a torch that lights the way. By looking to our past while embracing our responsibility to govern wisely, we can ensure a bright and exceptional future for generations to come.