Unit Four: Executive Branch

Chief of State

The president is the ceremonial head of the government of the United States — the symbol of all the people of the nation

Chief Executive

Implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet

Chief Administrator

The President heads the entire executive branch of the federal government

Chief Diplomat

The President is responsible for carrying out negotiations with forigien leaders and their governments

Commander in Chief

The President is the supreme military commander charged with the responsibility of protecting and defending the United States

Chief Legislator

The President is given the power to approve or veto laws that are passed by Congress — the main architect of the nation's public policies

Chief of Party

The President acts as the leader of their political party and supports other governmental candidates who support the same policies

Chief Citizen

The President represents all citizens and sets an example for civic behavior in times of peace and crisis

Qualifications of the President

Be a natural born citizen, be at least 35 years of age, and have lived in the United States for at least 14 years

22nd Amendment

No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice — and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Only President to serve more than two terms — won four terms total

President’s Salary

Determined by congress — cannot be changed during a presidential term

25th Amendment

Clarifies that the vice president becomes president if the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office through impeachment, and establishes how a vacancy in the office of the vice president can be filled

The Presidential Succession Act of 1947

An act to provide for the performance of the duties of the office of President in case of the removal, resignation, death, or inability both of the President and Vice President

Presidential Disability

The President must inform Congress, in writing, “that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office” or the Vice President and a majority of the members of the Cabinet inform Congress, in writing, that the President is incapacitated

Duties of the Vice President

Preside over the Senate and to help decide the question of Presidential Disability — often performs diplomatic and political chores for the President

Department

Cabinet rank agencies (Department of Justice)

Agency

Near cabinet status (EPA/CIA)… sometimes known as administration (NASA)

Government Corporations

A business that the government runs and organizes like private businesses (FDIC/USPS)

Commission

Agencies that regulate business activities (FCC, SEC)

Chief of Staff

directs all White House operations — part of the President’s “inner circle”. No Senate confirmation and their power comes solely from their personal relationship with the President

Press Secretary

Presents the President’s views to the public

White House Situation Room

Room in the basement of the West Wing

West Wing

Cabinet Room and Oval Office

East Wing

Office space for the First Lady and her staff, also has the President’s theater and visitor entrance

Office of Management and Budget

Prepares the federal budget, which is submitted to Congress in January/February

Office of National Drug Control

Prepares national drug strategy and coordinates the effort of more than 50 federal agencies — works to reduce drug use and its consequences… provides administrative and financial support to the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis

Council of Economic Advisers

three of the nation’s leading economists, confirmed by senate. Assesses the nation’s economic health, predicts future conditions, and supports other executive agencies that are involved with economic planning

Original Cabinet (George Washington’s Cabinet)

Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of War, and the Attorney General

Today’s Cabinet

15 executive departments… headed by a secretary (except attorney general)

The Cabinet

The principal official advisory body to the president of the United States. Each one pushes the agenda of their department

The President’s Staff

Helps organize the president’s schedule, set priorities, and work with congress. The head is the Chief of Staff

Executive Office of The Presidency

Consists of agencies designed to help the president set policy and respond to key issues. These groups work closely with the president, supplying advice and help.

Pardons

Presidential power to release from punishment, people convicted of crimes

Reprieves

Formal postponements of the execution of a sentence

War Powers Resolution

Requires the president to consult with congress when sending troops into combat — also gave congress the power to force the president to withdraw troops

Executive Agreement

An agreement made with foreign leaders that does not require Senate approval, although congress may refuse to fund it — not binding on future presidents

Diplomatic Recognition

Formal Acknowledgment of a government as legitimate; this recognition allows the exchange of ambassadors

Legislative Agenda

A series of laws he or she wishes to pass, which is presented each year during the State of the Union Address

State of the Union Address

The president is obligated by the Constitution to deliver a message to congress each year

Signing Message

Explains the president’s support and understanding of the new law

Veto

The president’s power to reject a bill passed by congress

Veto Message

A message when a bill is sent back to congress explaining why

Pocket Veto

If the president does not sign the bill nor vetoes while congress is not in session, the bill dies at the end of ten days

Line-Item Veto

The president can use to strike the specific parts of the bill he or she dislikes without rejecting the entire bill

Federal Budget

How federal money will be spent during the next year

Fiscal Years

A twelve month period used for accounting purposes

Secretary of State

Represents America in working with foreign governments and advises on foreign affairs.

Secretary of the Treasury

Advises on economic issues and oversees the collection of taxes and the printing of money.

Secretary of Defense

Works with civilian and military advisers to formulate American military policies and oversees the armed forces.

Attorney General

Chief law enforcement officer of the United States.

Secretary of the Interior

Protects and provides access to our natural and cultural heritage and manages public lands and minerals, national parks, national wildlife refuges, and water resources

Secretary of Agriculture

Ensures a healthy food supply and provides support to farmers.

Secretary of Commerce

Encourages, serves, and promotes international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement.

Secretary of Labor

Oversees the interests of American workers by improving working conditions and advancing opportunities.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services for those least able to help themselves.

Secretary of Housing and Development

Oversees housing needs and focuses on improving and developing communities.

Secretary of Transportation

Establishes and oversees America’s transportation system including highway planning, development, and construction; urban mass transit; railroads; aviation; and the safety of waterways, ports, highways, and oil and gas pipelines.

Secretary of Energy

Advances the national, economic, and energy security of the United States and promotes scientific and technological innovations.

Secretary of Education

Ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence. Sets guidelines and provides leadership

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Administers programs to benefit veterans and members of their families.

Secretary of Homeland Security

Works to prevent terrorist attacks in America and reduce vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.