The scope of executive privilege encompasses the right of the president and high-ranking officials to withhold information from Congress or the courts to protect sensitive communications. This privilege is rooted in the need for confidentiality in discussions related to national security, foreign relations, and internal decision-making processes. However, it is contentious, as it raises questions about transparency and accountability. The limits of executive privilege can be tested in legal disputes, where courts may weigh the government's need for secrecy against the public's right to know, impacting checks and balances within the democratic system.