Final answer:
Executive power is the authority of a country's political leader to enforce policies and make symbolic decisions. Executive dominance can extend the leader's influence, often seen in the use of executive orders in the U.S. and constitutional changes in Russia to consolidate power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of executive power deals with the authority granted to a country's political leader, such as a president, prime minister, or chancellor. This power is often displayed through the enforcement and implementation of policy, as well as symbolic actions that represent the nation. Notably, executive dominance can occur when executives expand their powers, sometimes at the expense of the legislative branch, as has been observed with the use of executive orders and other executive actions by recent United States presidents.
In the United States, the executive power is vested in the President according to Article II of the Constitution. This power encompasses a range of formal instruments like executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations to informal ones like symbolic gestures and public speeches. The role of various offices within the Executive Office of the President (EOP) is crucial, as it includes key advisors and assistants like the chief of staff, press secretary, and national security advisor who can significantly influence domestic and foreign policy.
Instances of executive dominance in the U.S. include the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by President Obama and attempts to secure funding for a border wall by President Trump. Globally, executive dominance is also evident, such as in Russia where President Vladimir Putin initiated constitutional changes that could extend his term in office indefinitely, suggesting an increase in presidential power over other government branches.