The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch

by Mr. Boswell

Who's in the Executive Branch?

• Most people think it's just the president and vice president.

• This branch also includes the 15 Cabinet departments

• As well as the different federal bureaucracies attached to them.

• The Executive Branch is organized in Article II of the US Constitution.

Multiple Choice

Who is NOT part of the Executive Branch?

• The president

• The Vice President

• Senators

• Cabinet secretaries

What does the Executive Branch do?

• This branch enforces the law.

• They may sure that laws are carried out correctly as well as make policy decisions based on those laws.

• The president fills many roles as the head of the government and leader of the country.

Where is the Executive Branch located?

• The president resides in the White House in Washington DC

• The Cabinet departments have their own offices (Department of Defense is in the Pentagon)

• The vice president resides at Number One Observatory Circle in DC.

Multiple Choice

The executive branch like the Legislative Branch is located where?

• New York

• Washington DC

• Boston

• Philadelphia

Open Ended

What are some the qualifications you think people should have before running for president?

Requirements to be President

• You must be 35 years old

• A natural born citizen of the United States

• Resident of the US for at least 14 years

• That's it!

Open Ended

Please list the three requirements to be president.

Vice Presidential Home

The Office of the President

• Presidents are elected for four year terms.

• Originally, there was no term limits, but that changed with the 22nd Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms.

Multiple Choice

Presidents are elected for ___ year terms and can run _____ times.

• 5, 3

• 4, 1

• 4, 2

• 6, unlimited

The Office of the Vice President

• The Vice President is chosen by the president before the election.

• They serve a four year term.

• There are no term limits, but the president doesn't have to choose the same vice president again.

Open Ended

What are some attributes you would look for in a vice president if you were running for president?

Roles of the President

• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces

• Chief executive-enforces laws

• Chief agenda setter-determines direction of the country

• Chief of state-represents American people

• Chief diplomat-represents America abroad

• Party leader-head of whatever party they are a member of.

Roles/Powers of the Vice President

• Presides over the Senate

• Replaces president if ill, dead or removed

• Helps president with their duties/agenda

• Breaks ties in the Senate

• Campaigns/Speaks on the president's behalf

Powers of the President

• Presidents can issue executive orders (directions that Federal agencies are supposed to follow or are part of the president's responsibility)

• Presidents can pardon people convicted of crimes.

• Presidents can agree treaties and agreements with Senate approval

• Nominate judges and Cabinet ministers (need approval by Senate)

• Veto bills

Open Ended

Closing Question #1: What are the requirements to be president?

Open Ended

Closing Question #2: Name two powers that presidents have.

Open Ended

Closing Question #3: Name two roles the president has in government.