Who is primarily in charge of the executive branch?

The President is primarily in charge of the executive branch of the United States government. As the head of state and government, the President holds the highest authority in executing federal laws, making key policy decisions, and overseeing the various departments and agencies that comprise the executive branch. This role is established in the Constitution, which grants the President the power to ensure that laws are faithfully executed and to serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

In the context of this question, while the Vice President, the Governor, and the Speaker of the House hold significant roles in government, they do not have overarching authority over the executive branch at the national level. The Vice President serves as the President's primary assistant and successor but does not have the same level of executive power. The Governor oversees the executive branch at the state level, and the Speaker of the House is a legislative leader in the House of Representatives, focusing primarily on legislative matters rather than the execution of laws. Therefore, the President's unique and specified role cements their position as the central figure in the executive branch.