Final answer:
The executive branch consists of the President and Vice President, along with advisors and heads of regulatory agencies, appointed to assist in policy-making and administration. The president's cabinet and executive officers, who lead the executive departments and other governmental agencies, play key roles in both foreign and domestic policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Executive Branch
The executive branch is comprised of the President and Vice-President of the United States. The President chooses their advisors to help make decisions and guide policy. Among these advisors are key positions such as the White House Chief of Staff, National Security Advisor, and heads of various regulatory agencies. While the President's personal staff, such as advisors and speechwriters, do not require Senate approval, they are critical to the administration's function. The Executive Office of the President, established by Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), includes bodies like the Council of Economic Advisers and the National Security Council, which provide specialized advice. Furthermore, the President appoints members of the Cabinet who lead the 15 executive departments, as well as ambassadors, judiciary members, and heads of independent agencies, though most appointments, apart from the personal staff, are subject to Senate confirmation.
In addition to these roles, the President, as the chief executive officer, commands the armed forces, sets foreign policy, and influences domestic policy and legislation. To handle the wide range of responsibilities, the President relies on the Executive Branch's structure, which has greatly expanded since Abraham Lincoln's time, where today, hundreds of staff members assist in the White House and the Executive Office of the President.