Trump v. Slaughter · ¶22

The Constitution vests “[t]he executive Power” in a “President of the United States of America” and instructs that he “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” Art. II, §§1, 3. To vest “the whole executive power” in just one person was not to suggest that he could execute the laws alone and unaided. The Federalist No. 47, at 303 (J. Madison). But it was to establish a hierarchy—a “Chief Magistrate” with whom the buck stops, and below him various “assistants or deputies” who “derive their offices from his appointment” and remain “subject to his superintendence.” Id., No. 72, at 436 (A. Hamilton). To remain accountable to the President, those officers must be removable by the President.

slip opinion, revised 7/07/26
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