CG.3.8 Executive Branch FJCC

Which group makes up the structure of the executive branch?

• Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, committees, Cabinet

• president, chief justice, President Pro Tempore, representatives

• president, vice president, Cabinet, administrative agencies

• Speaker of the House, justices, vice president, senators

Answer explanation

The president, vice president, Cabinet, and administrative agencies are all part of the executive branch.

Which of the following is NOT an action the president can take?

• declaring a law unconstitutional

• vetoing a law passed by Congress

• appointing a new Supreme Court justice

• issuing an executive order to create a national park

Answer explanation

This action/power (judicial review) was granted to the Supreme Court of the United States in the ruling of Marbury v. Madison.

This diagram provides details about processes carried out by the executive branch at the national level of government. Which option best completes this diagram?

• Fund the armed forces

• Draft bills to become laws

• Make Cabinet appointments

• Advise Supreme Court justices

Answer explanation

 The diagram shows responsibilities that fall under the processes and powers of the executive branch. As part of their duties, a president appoints Cabinet members.

This headline describes an event in U.S. history. Which executive branch process is reflected in this headline?

• nomination

• confirmation

• veto override

• executive order

Answer explanation

Executive orders allow presidents to act alone when exercising their constitutional powers. In this example, the president, as commander-in-chief, had the power to eliminate racial segregation in the armed forces.

An example of a recent executive order is the President's Gulf of America Day, 2025.

What authority do the Florida governor and U.S. president have in common?

• grant federal pardons

• commander-in-chief

• chief executive

• six-year term

Answer explanation

The U.S. president and the Florida governor both share the authority to serve as chief executive.  

Which executive authority can be exercised by both the Florida Governor and a mayor in Florida?

• Both appoint justices to the Florida Supreme Court.

• Both may call up the Florida National Guard.

• Both enforce laws in their jurisdictions.

• Both interpret laws in their courts.

Answer explanation

 As chief executives for state and local government, the governor and the mayor both have the power to enforce laws in their jurisdictions. 

This table describes presidential vetoes.

Based on this table, how has the legislative process been impacted by presidential vetoes?

• The presidents’ views are not reflected in public policy.

• The presidents’ views are reflected in public policy.

• Congress represents the will of the people.

• Congress represents the will of the states.

Answer explanation

Public policy is the collection of laws, regulations, and decisions made by the government that impact society. It can affect many aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and the environment. 

The table shows that the number of presidential vetoes has been greater, usually far greater, than the number of legislative overrides. A veto override results in Congress’ views being reflected in public policy. An override that fails results in the president’s views being reflected in public policy.  

This headline describes an event.

Which action might occur due to this event?

• A. State legislatures oppose an amendment putting more power in the hands of citizens.

• B. The president issues an executive order weakening environmental laws.

• C. Congress votes to improve employment protections.

• D. State governors decide to raise the minimum wage.

Answer explanation

 Cabinet members (President's advisors) are responsible for enforcing the laws. Because Cabinet secretaries are nominated by presidents the chances are very strong that the president’s views are shared with any nominee. If the president signs a law promoting equal rights, such as employment protections, it is likely the Cabinet nominee supports it as well and may have advised the president to sign that law.

A group of advisors picked by the President and approved by the Senate to head departments in the executive branch is called

• an agency

• an independent agency

• the Cabinet

• a group of secretaries

At the state level, executive power is exercised by the

• Governor

• President

• Mayor

• Prime Minister