US GOV - Executive Branch

Executive Branch Overview

• Exam Date: 2/4/25

Key Concepts

Formal Powers of the President

• Chief Executive: Enforces laws, appoints officials.

• Commander-in-Chief: Oversees the military.

• Chief Diplomat: Represents the nation in foreign affairs.

• Chief Legislator: Influences legislative policies.

Informal Powers of the President

• Operates largely without explicit constitutional authority; includes executive agreements and orders.

Line of Succession

• Establishes who assumes the presidency in the event the current president can no longer serve.

25th Amendment

• Clarifies the procedures for replacing the president and vice president in case of disability.

Election Process

Primary Season

• Closed Primary: Only registered party members can vote in their party's primary.

• Open Primary: Voters can choose which party's primary to participate in regardless of their registered party.

General Election

• The final election where the winner is selected to assume office.

Inauguration

• Ceremony marking the beginning of a new presidency.

Political Parties and Conventions

• National Convention: Formally announces party nomination and platforms.

Important Agencies and Terms

• Bureaucracy: Structure that handles the day-to-day operations of government.

• Federal Agencies: Includes Executive Departments, Independent Agencies, and Regulatory Commissions like the EPA, FCC, FDA, and FTC.

• Government Corporations: Entities created by Congress to provide services that could be provided by the private sector.

Analyzing Responsibilities and Powers

Qualifications and Duties of the President

1. Qualifications:

   • At least 35 years old

   • Natural born U.S. citizen

   • Lived in the U.S. for last 14 years

2. Duties:

   • Enforcing laws

   • Appointing officials

3. Powers:

   • Chief of State

   • Chief Diplomat

Qualifications and Duties of the Governor

1. Qualifications:

   • At least 30 years old

   • Resident of the state for 5 years

   • Must be U.S. citizen

2. Duties:

   • Chief Executive

   • Commander-in-Chief of state military

   • Chief Legislator

Branch Power Balancing

• Other branches can check executive powers through:

  • Senate approval of appointments

  • Judicial branch can declare orders unconstitutional.

Bureaucracy and Governance

Importance of Executive Departments

• They set guidelines and manage day-to-day functions at national, state, and local levels.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bureaucracy

• Advantages:

  • Organizes operations effectively.

  • Can lead to peak performance and efficiency.

  • Elects competent individuals for roles.

• Disadvantages:

  • Can become monotonous; resistant to change.

  • Over-bureaucratization can hinder decision-making.

Comparing Executive Orders and Laws

• Executive Orders:

  • Do not require Senate approval; act as laws operationally but lack legislative process.

• Laws:

  • After going through Congress, require both houses and presidential signature to be enacted.

Electoral College Discussion

Arguments for Abolishing the Electoral College

• Misrepresentation of public votes, especially affecting third-party candidates.

• Promotes legitimacy for candidates running on single issues.

Imperial Presidency

• A president may be considered "imperial" if they exercise power extensively without Congressional approval.

Comparing Federal and State Executive Branches

Federal Executive Branch

• President represents the country internationally, has veto power, and enforces laws.

State Executive Branch

• Governor has similar roles but can utilize line-item veto power.