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Avari Simmons - GOOGLE SLIDES the executive branch
Overview of the Executive Branch
Article 2 of the Constitution establishes the structure, roles, and powers of the Executive Branch.
The purpose of the Executive Branch is to execute federal laws and defend the Constitution.
Head: The President is the chief executive of the Executive Branch.
Presidential Qualifications
Constitutional Qualifications
Native born citizen
At least 35 years old
14-year resident of the United States
Unwritten Qualifications
Traditionally a white, married male (exceptions include Grover Cleveland and Barack Obama).
Predominantly Protestant (exceptions: JFK – Catholic, Biden – Catholic).
Affiliates with a major political party.
Military service is often seen as beneficial.
Public speaking skills are important.
Height typically over average (5' 11”); average male is 5'9”.
Most are college educated and many hold law degrees.
Prior government experience is common (notable exception: Donald Trump).
Presidential Elections
On Election Day (the Tuesday after the first Monday in November), votes are cast for Presidential Electors.
Electoral College formally elects the President in January following the general election.
12th Amendment (1804): Changed electors' voting process to separate votes for President and Vice President.
Presidential Selection Process
Primary elections in spring narrow down candidates.
Inauguration occurs on January 20th following the election.
20th Amendment (1933): Adjusted the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
Candidates are nominated at National Conventions in the summer.
Presidential Term and Compensation
Term Length: Presidents serve four years, limited to two full terms by the 22nd Amendment (1951).
Salary: $400,000 annually, plus benefits such as health care, $50,000 expense account, and a pension.
Provided accommodations include the White House, Camp David, and Blair House for guests.
Protection includes Secret Service and the use of Air Force One.
Roles of the President
Chief Executive
Enforces the Constitution and federal laws.
Issues executive orders, directives that have the force of law.
Executive orders can be overturned by Congress or challenged in court.
Commander in Chief
Civilian head of the military, appoints military officers, and directs military strategy.
War Powers Act (1973) limited powers to send troops to combat without congressional approval:
Inform Congress within 48 hours of deployment.
Troops can engage for 60 days without approval.
Chief Legislator
Influences legislation through proposing budgets, recommending bills, and giving the State of the Union address.
Can sign bills into law or veto them, including using pocket vetoes.
Chief Diplomat
Conducts foreign policy and appoints ambassadors.
Responsible for making treaties (requiring Senate approval) and executive agreements (not requiring Senate approval).
Chief of State and Party Leader
Represents the United States in ceremonial contexts.
Leads their political party by fundraising and supporting members.
Judicial Powers
Appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices (requiring Senate approval).
Can issue pardons, reprieves, commutations, and has the power of clemency.
Congressional Checks on Presidential Power
Senate confirmation is needed for appointments.
Congress can override vetoes and pass laws that limit presidential power.
Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.
The Vice President
Roles
Presides over the Senate, may vote only to break ties.
Becomes President if the current President is unable to serve.
Assigned duties by the President and has no term limit.
Compensation and Succession
Vice President receives $230,000 per year and $20,000 expense account.
The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 defines the line of succession following the Vice President.
Federal Bureaucracy
Composed of the Cabinet and other Executive Departments.
The Cabinet ministers, secretaries of 15 departments, support the President.
Major Executive Departments
Department of State - Foreign relations and ambassadors.
Department of Defense - Maintains armed forces and military affairs.
Department of Justice - Enforced federal laws and oversees the FBI.
Department of Health and Human Services - Manages social security and Medicare.
Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
Created by Congress, independent of Executive Departments.
Set and enforce regulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency).
Civil Service System
Comprises the workforce of the federal government, insulated from political changes.
Entered through competitive exams established by the Pendleton Act (1883) to prevent corruption.
Government Corporations
Government-owned businesses that perform specific functions (e.g., Amtrak, USPS).
The Executive Office of the President aids in management and policy advising.
Avari Simmons - GOOGLE SLIDES the executive branch
Overview of the Executive Branch
Article 2 of the Constitution establishes the structure, roles, and powers of the Executive Branch.
The purpose of the Executive Branch is to execute federal laws and defend the Constitution.
Head: The President is the chief executive of the Executive Branch.
Presidential Qualifications
Constitutional Qualifications
Native born citizen
At least 35 years old
14-year resident of the United States
Unwritten Qualifications
Traditionally a white, married male (exceptions include Grover Cleveland and Barack Obama).
Predominantly Protestant (exceptions: JFK – Catholic, Biden – Catholic).
Affiliates with a major political party.
Military service is often seen as beneficial.
Public speaking skills are important.
Height typically over average (5' 11”); average male is 5'9”.
Most are college educated and many hold law degrees.
Prior government experience is common (notable exception: Donald Trump).
Presidential Elections
On Election Day (the Tuesday after the first Monday in November), votes are cast for Presidential Electors.
Electoral College formally elects the President in January following the general election.
12th Amendment (1804): Changed electors' voting process to separate votes for President and Vice President.
Presidential Selection Process
Primary elections in spring narrow down candidates.
Inauguration occurs on January 20th following the election.
20th Amendment (1933): Adjusted the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
Candidates are nominated at National Conventions in the summer.
Presidential Term and Compensation
Term Length: Presidents serve four years, limited to two full terms by the 22nd Amendment (1951).
Salary: $400,000 annually, plus benefits such as health care, $50,000 expense account, and a pension.
Provided accommodations include the White House, Camp David, and Blair House for guests.
Protection includes Secret Service and the use of Air Force One.
Roles of the President
Chief Executive
Enforces the Constitution and federal laws.
Issues executive orders, directives that have the force of law.
Executive orders can be overturned by Congress or challenged in court.
Commander in Chief
Civilian head of the military, appoints military officers, and directs military strategy.
War Powers Act (1973) limited powers to send troops to combat without congressional approval:
Inform Congress within 48 hours of deployment.
Troops can engage for 60 days without approval.
Chief Legislator
Influences legislation through proposing budgets, recommending bills, and giving the State of the Union address.
Can sign bills into law or veto them, including using pocket vetoes.
Chief Diplomat
Conducts foreign policy and appoints ambassadors.
Responsible for making treaties (requiring Senate approval) and executive agreements (not requiring Senate approval).
Chief of State and Party Leader
Represents the United States in ceremonial contexts.
Leads their political party by fundraising and supporting members.
Judicial Powers
Appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices (requiring Senate approval).
Can issue pardons, reprieves, commutations, and has the power of clemency.
Congressional Checks on Presidential Power
Senate confirmation is needed for appointments.
Congress can override vetoes and pass laws that limit presidential power.
Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.
The Vice President
Roles
Presides over the Senate, may vote only to break ties.
Becomes President if the current President is unable to serve.
Assigned duties by the President and has no term limit.
Compensation and Succession
Vice President receives $230,000 per year and $20,000 expense account.
The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 defines the line of succession following the Vice President.
Federal Bureaucracy
Composed of the Cabinet and other Executive Departments.
The Cabinet ministers, secretaries of 15 departments, support the President.
Major Executive Departments
Department of State - Foreign relations and ambassadors.
Department of Defense - Maintains armed forces and military affairs.
Department of Justice - Enforced federal laws and oversees the FBI.
Department of Health and Human Services - Manages social security and Medicare.
Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
Created by Congress, independent of Executive Departments.
Set and enforce regulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency).
Civil Service System
Comprises the workforce of the federal government, insulated from political changes.
Entered through competitive exams established by the Pendleton Act (1883) to prevent corruption.
Government Corporations
Government-owned businesses that perform specific functions (e.g., Amtrak, USPS).
The Executive Office of the President aids in management and policy advising.
