Executive Branch

Who is in charge of the Executive Branch of the United States?

The President of the United States.

What is the role of the President in the Executive Branch?

The President leads the nation, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, represents America in negotiations, and can issue executive orders.

What does Article Two of the United States Constitution establish?

It establishes the Executive Branch.

What are the three branches of the United States government?

The Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

What are the requirements to become President of the United States?

You must be at least 35 years old, be a natural-born citizen, and have resided in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

How long is a presidential term in the United States?

4 years.

How many terms can a President serve?

Up to two terms.

Who are the two President to serve two non-consecutive terms?

Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump

Why did George Washington set a precedent for serving only two terms?

He believed America did not need a king reigning for life.

What amendment limits Presidents to two terms?

The 22nd Amendment.

When is a presidential election held in the United States?

Every four years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

What is the process for electing a President in the United States?

The President is elected through a system that does not rely on a simple majority vote.

What other positions do voters elect during a presidential election?

Representatives in Congress, local initiatives, governors, and city council members.

What was Franklin Delano Roosevelt's significance in presidential terms?

He was elected for four terms before the 22nd Amendment was passed.

What does the Executive Branch do?

It enforces or carries out the law.

What is the Commander-in-Chief's role?

The President serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

What is an executive order?

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

What does the Constitution say about the powers of the presidency?

It defines the responsibilities and powers of the President within the Executive Branch.

What body decides who becomes the next President of the United States?

The Electoral College.

How many Electors does each state have in the Electoral College?

Each state gets a number of Electors equal to its number of Congressmembers.

When do the Electors meet to cast their ballots for President?

In December after the November election.

What is the minimum number of Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency?

270 votes

How do Electors decide who to vote for in the Electoral College?

By and large, they vote for whoever won the majority vote in their state.

What is the total number of Electors in the Electoral College?

538 Electors

What happens to the election once the Electoral vote has been cast?

The election is officially over, and the winner is inaugurated in January.

What is the significance of individual votes in the Electoral College system?

Every ballot cast has the potential to tip the state in favor of a candidate.

What is the Presidential Line of Succession?

The order in which other officials of President if something happens to the current President.

Who is first in the Presidential Line of Succession?

Vice President

What role does the President serve as Chief Executive?

The President is responsible for running the Executive Branch.

What must happen for Presidential appointments to take effect?

All appointments must be approved by the Senate by a 2/3rds majority vote.

What are some positions the President can appoint as Chief Executive?

Supreme Court Justices, federal judges, U.S. ambassadors, and Presidential Cabinet officials.

What is the purpose of the yearly State of the Union address?

To summarize the administration's accomplishments of the past year and their intentions moving forward.

How many departments does the Presidential Cabinet oversee?

15 departments

What is the significance of the Electoral College in the context of democracy?

It is an example of indirect democracy because the citizens participate.

What happens if the President is unable to fulfill their duties?

The next official in the line of succession assumes the role.

What is one responsibility of the President related to the judicial system?

The President has the power to appoint Supreme Court Justices.

What can the President discuss during their address to Congress?

Important policy goals, problems the nation faces, and to urge Congress to act on campaign promises.

What are executive orders?

Orders directly from the President that carry the full weight of laws.

What role does the President serve as Commander-in-Chief?

The President commands the nation's army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, and national guard.

Who can officially declare war in the United States?

Only Congress can officially declare war.

What can the President do as Chief Legislator?

Sign bills into law or veto them; urge Congress to pass certain laws.

What majority is needed for Congress to override a Presidential veto?

A 2/3rds majority vote in both the House and Senate.

What is the role of the President as Chief Diplomat?

Maintain good relationships with other nations and represent the U.S. in foreign policy.

What is the role of U.S. Ambassadors?

Represent the United States in relations with other nations.

What is a treaty?

An agreement between two or more nations, which can include peace treaties or trade agreements.

What is required for a presidential treaty to be approved?

The Senate must approve it with a 2/3rds majority vote.

What does the President do as Chief Citizen?

Serves as a model citizen, promotes charitable causes, and offers comfort during national tragedies.

What is the President's role as Chief of Party?

Leads their political party and helps other party members get elected.

What is the significance of the State of the Union address?

It is a platform for the President to urge Congress to pass certain laws.

What is the Department of Veterans' Affairs?

A department that cares for military veterans after their service.

How does the President influence legislation?

By signing bills into law, vetoing them, and urging Congress through speeches and meetings.

What actions can the President take regarding military operations?

Direct attacks on foreign nations and supply military aid to allies.

What does the President do to promote civic behavior?

Encourages voting and volunteering.

What role does the President play as Chief Guardian of the Economy?

The President meets with economic advisors to discuss issues related to taxes, inflation, and unemployment, and suggests programs to improve the nation's economic conditions.

How many departments are there within the Executive Branch?

There are 15 departments.

What is the role of the President's Cabinet?

The Cabinet, formed by the Secretaries of each department, advises the President on political issues and runs their respective departments.

What does the Department of Agriculture handle?

It manages farming regulations, the nation's food supply, and funds nutrition programs like My Plate.

What is the primary function of the Department of Commerce?

It issues patents and trademarks and promotes the nation's economy by supporting business and industry.

Where is the Department of Defense headquartered and what is its main responsibility?

Headquartered at the Pentagon, it commands the nation's armed forces and defends America against hostile enemies.

What does the Department of Education do? -

It funds and regulates public colleges and universities, provides national guidelines for K-12 schools, and dispenses grants and student loans.

What is the focus of the Department of Energy?

It researches and develops energy resources and maintains the country's supply of nuclear weapons.

What are the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services?

It keeps the nation healthy, includes the FDA and CDC, and administers Medicare and Medicaid.

What was the reason for the formation of the Department of Homeland Security?

It was formed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to protect the nation against terrorist activity and enforce immigration policies.

What issues does the Department of Housing and Urban Development address?

It focuses on providing housing, helping the homeless, and supporting low-income neighborhoods.

What is the primary focus of the Department of the Interior?

It conserves the country's natural resources and maintains relationships with Native American tribes.

What is the role of the Department of Justice?

It maintains law and order in America, with the FBI and CIA as its agencies, and is led by the Attorney General.

What does the Department of Labor focus on?

It focuses on America's workforce, protecting workers' rights, enforcing safety regulations, and ensuring fair wages.

Who leads the Department of Justice?

The Attorney General.

What is the significance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

It is part of the Department of the Interior and is 200 years old, focusing on relations with Native American tribes.

What is the President's role in terms of alliances during times of war?

Personal visits between heads of state can strengthen alliances.

What kind of issues do economic advisors discuss with the President?

They discuss taxes, inflation, unemployment, and suggest ways to improve economic conditions.

What principle is the American government founded on regarding the branches of government?

Checks and balances.

How can the President check the power of Congress?

By vetoing a bill passed by Congress or performing a pocket veto.

What power does the President have regarding Supreme Court Justices?

The President appoints Supreme Court Justices and federal judges.

What is a presidential pardon?

An executive order granting clemency for a criminal conviction, checking the power of the Judicial Branch.

How can Congress override a Presidential veto?

By a 2/3rds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

What must happen for the Senate to approve a Presidential treaty?

It requires a 2/3rds majority vote in the Senate.

What is required for Senate approval of Presidential appointments?

Each appointee must go through a hearing and be approved by a majority vote in the Senate.

What can the Supreme Court do regarding Executive Orders?

The Supreme Court can rule an Executive Order unconstitutional through judicial review.

What does judicial review allow the Supreme Court to do?

Decide whether a law or action by the government goes against the United States Constitution.

What happens if the Supreme Court finds an Executive Order unconstitutional?

The Court can throw the Executive Order out.

What is the significance of Article Two, Section Four of the Constitution?

It outlines the impeachment process for the President.

What is the role of the Legislative Branch in checking the Executive Branch?

It can override vetoes, approve treaties, approve appointments, and impeach the President.

What is the relationship between the President and foreign treaties?

The President cannot make a treaty without Senate approval.

How does the President influence the Judicial Branch?

By appointing judges who share similar political views.

What does the Department of Veterans' Affairs focus on?

Providing healthcare, housing, and memorial services for military veterans.