The executive branch of a government is the one that carries out laws and conducts public and foreign affairs. In the U.S. federal government, the president heads the executive branch, acting as chief executive, chief diplomat, commander in chief of the military, and chief policy maker. As chief executive, the president appoints heads of various government departments and agencies, subject to the approval of the Senate. He also provides leadership in legislation, principally by establishing the agenda for Congress. His annual State of the Union address to Congress, followed by an economic report and budget and financial work plans, set the tone.