When the so-called “Founding Fathers” wrote “The Constitution of the United States of America” in 1787, they embodied within it the executive branch of the U.S. government.

That branch is headed by the president – among whose duties is to “faithfully execute the laws of the United States.” As I have always told my students, the word “execute” in this context doesn’t mean “to kill” – even if a law deserves such a fate!

Rather, the job of the executive branch is to put into effect and enforce laws passed by Congress. The Constitution writers were wary about creating the executive branch; they di...