executive branch

[ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv bræntʃ]
nounpl: executive branches
poder executivo
1. The branch of government responsible for enforcing and administering laws, headed by the president or prime minister
The executive branch includes the president, vice president, and cabinet members.
O poder executivo inclui o presidente, vice-presidente e membros do gabinete.
2. The governmental arm that carries out the decisions and policies made by the legislative branch
The executive branch implements the laws passed by Congress.
O poder executivo implementa as leis aprovadas pelo Congresso.
3. The administrative and enforcement apparatus of government including federal agencies and departments
Many civil servants work within the executive branch.
Muitos servidores públicos trabalham no âmbito do poder executivo.
In Brazil, the executive branch is led by the President of the Republic (Presidente da República) and includes the Vice President and ministers. This reflects the presidential system adopted in the 1988 Constitution. In the USA, the executive branch is a key component of the tripartite division of government, distinct from both the legislative and judicial branches. Understanding this term is essential for discussions about government structure, political authority, and constitutional law in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
executive poweradministrationexecutive governmentexecutive authority
Antonyms / Antônimos
legislative branchjudicial branch

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
poder executivo
Standard term used in Brazilian government and constitutional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
poder executivo
No regional variation; standard usage
São Paulo
poder executivo
No regional variation; standard usage
Portugal
poder executivo
Same term used in Portuguese constitutional law

Related Words

presidentcabinetfederal agenciesseparation of powerschecks and balancesbureaucracy

Related Idioms & Phrases

separation of powers
checks and balances
abuse of executive power
executive order
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