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execute vt 1 : to put into effect: carry out 2: to do what is provided or required by <~ a decree>
When we think of executives, as distinct from "mere" managers, we think of the people at the top of the organization - the people who set strategy. Yet nowhere in the definition of the word "execute" (that which is undoubtedly what an executive does, no?) is the setting of strategy mentioned. Indeed, it seems to be implied that the strategy comes from someplace else, that the role of the executive is to carry out or administer the policy, not set it.
In ensuring a balance of power, our founding fathers established three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. It's the role of the legislative branch to establish the laws and by extension, the policy for our country. At least that seems to have been the intent. The executive branch was called that because its role was to carry out, or execute, the laws established by Congress. True, the president was given veto power, but even that can be overridden. And of course, the chief executive and his Cabinet do make policy by introducing bills, but it remains the role of Congress to pass those bills if they are to become the...