I believe the answer is there was no executive branch of government.
The difference between a federation and a confederation, is that in a confederation, it is more of loosely tied together states that can leave at any time. Just look at the EU with Brexit. The UK is exercising it's right to leave. In an example of a federation, look at the US. The states aren't allowed to claim independence because it is against the laws. It's also tied together under a firm federal center.
