Executive Branch

What are some of the elements of the executive branch besides the President?

Vice President, white house staff, press secretary chief of staff, advisors and exports, economic advisor, national advisor

There are also independent agencies and which, historically speaking, are relatively new, with the exception of the postal service

Government corporations

What is meant by the phrase “government corporation”

Earn money and be self funding

The most important independent federal agency is the …

Federal reserve system

What does the federal reserve system manage?

Banking and monetary policy

What are the president’s three main strategies used to govern?

Party leadership, mobilizing public opinion, administrative strategies

When           controls both chambers of Congress and the White House, it’s easier for the President to use  his position as party leader as         to accomplish his policy goals.

One House, leverage

The President’s access to the media is almost 

limitless

What are some ways the President can use his administrative offices to bring about the objectives he wants?

Regulatory review, communicating with constituents, executive order and executive agreements.

What are executive orders?

Power of law, only applies to the executive branch, can be repealed by next president, avoids congress

Courts usually defer to administrative actions, especially in the area of…

National defense 

What are some of the arguments in favor of an expanded Presidency?

Emergencies 

What are exclusive agreements?

Power of law, avoids Senate authorization, can be repealed by next president

What are the vice president’s constitutional duties?

Presides over the Senate and votes to break ties, helps decide whether the President is disabled

What is chief of state?

Acts as the symbolic leader of the country

What does chief of state do?

Hosts dignitaries, throws out the first pitch, lights the national Christmas trees

What is Chief Executive 

Executes the laws, appoints key federal officials, grants pardons and reprieves

What does the Chief executive do?

Enforces laws such as Social Security, taxes, housing, flood control, civil rights, etc.

What is Chief Legislator 

Signs or vetoes legislation, introduces legislation, works with Congress on the budget

What does the Chief legislator do?

Along with their staff, propose legislation to Congress, sign bills into law.

What is an Economic Planner ?

Submits annual economic report to Congress and proposes budget and spending

What does the Economic Planner do?

Employment Act directed the president to submit annual economic reports to Congress

What is the Party Leader?

Helps his or her party to raise money and elect candidates

What does the Party Leader do?

Gives speeches, help party members, raise money, appoint members of party.

What is the Chief Diplomat?

Negotiates with other countries

What does the Chief Diplomat do?

Power to sign treaties and recognize governments of other countries.

What is the Commander in Chief?

Head of the armed forces

What does the Commander in Chief do?

Power to direct armed forces intro war or military operations.

Tensions with Congress

Congress and the president are NOT supposed to get along.

The President is most likely to use an executive order to make important policy when

A compromise cannot be reached with Congress

Where are formal (constitutional) powers located?

Article 2 of the constitution

Where are informal (implied) powers located?

Not explicitly stated in the constitution

Enforces Laws

Formal

Issue executive orders and executive agreements without Senate approval

Informal

Claim executive privilege to withhold information from Congress or courts

Informal

Appoint cabinet members, judges and ambassadors (Senate confirmation required)

Formal

Use bargaining and persuasion to influence Congress and secure support

Informal

Veto congressional legislation (subject to override by 2/3 vote)

Formal

Acts as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

Formal

Employ the “bully pulpit” to appeal directly to the American public

Informal

Negotiate and sign treaties (with 2/3 Senate approval)

Formal

Grant pardons and reprieves for federal offenses

Formal

Deliver the State of Union address and recommend policies

Formal

Lead their political party and shape its national agenda

Informal

Manage crises and act decisively in national emergencies

Informal

Set the national policy agenda by focusing public and congressional attention on key issues

Informal

Call or adjourn Congress in extraordinary circumstances

Formal