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.

Fill in the Blanks

The executive branch

the law.

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.