Which groups comprise the executive branches of government?

• A. The Cabinet, the ministers and the civil/public services
• B. The Parliament and the judiciary
• C. The President, the Senate, and the Supreme Court
• D. The Prime Minister, the Governor, and the civil service

Answer: (A)

The executive branch runs the government and enforces laws, led by political figures who set policy and oversee government departments, supported by the civil service that carries out day-to-day administration. The Cabinet and ministers are the political leadership that directs policy and oversees ministries, while the civil/public services provide the nonpolitical staff who implement programs and deliver services. Parliament or Congress handles lawmaking and oversight, and the judiciary interprets laws and resolves disputes, so they’re separate from the executive. This combination—the Cabinet, ministers, and civil/public services—best captures the group that actually runs government operations.