Executive Branch

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for carrying out federal laws and defending the Constitution.

Presidential Qualifications

Constitutionally required attributes for a President: native born, at least 35 years old, and a 14-year resident of the U.S.

Electoral College

A group of representatives who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

12th Amendment

Passed in 1804, it changed how electors cast votes for President and Vice President, requiring separate votes.

Inauguration

The formal ceremony where a President is sworn into office, held on January 20th.

War Powers Act

A 1973 law that restricts the President’s authority to send U.S. forces into combat without Congressional approval.

Legislative Initiative

The power of the President to influence legislation by proposing the budget and recommending bills.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that has the force of law, not mentioned explicitly in the Constitution.

Chief Diplomat

The role of the President that involves managing foreign policy and appointing ambassadors.

Executive Privilege

The right of the President and members of the Executive Branch to withhold information from Congress.

25th Amendment

A 1967 amendment that clarifies presidential succession and the process for a Vice Presidential vacancy.

Civil Service System

A system established to hire federal employees based on merit and qualifications rather than political connections.

Spoils System

A practice where a political party gives government jobs to its supporters, leading to corruption and inefficiency.

Independent Agencies

Agencies created by Congress to be independent from Executive Departments, with heads appointed by the President.

Cabinet

The group of advisors consisting of the heads of the 15 Executive Departments, selected by the President.

Department of State

The Cabinet department responsible for foreign policy and international relations.

Department of Defense

The department responsible for maintaining the Armed Forces and ensuring national security.

Department of Justice

The department headed by the Attorney General, responsible for enforcing federal laws and representing the U.S. in legal matters.

Department of Treasury

The department responsible for managing federal finances, including collecting taxes and issuing currency.

Department of Homeland Security

Created in 2002 to protect the U.S. from threats, including cybersecurity and border security.

Presidential Commissions

Special groups created to investigate or research specific issues, funded as long as needed.

General Services Administration (GSA)

An independent agency that manages the government’s contracts, properties, and supplies.

Federal Bureaucracy

The organizational structure of the Executive Branch that executes federal laws through departments and agencies.