The Executive Branch - Structure Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who makes up the executive branch?

The President, the Vice President, Cabinet, EXOP, independent agencies and commissions, a vast civil service.

What does the constitution make the president responsible for?

Executing laws passed by Congress, propose measures to Congress 'from time to time', and makes the President commander in chief of the armed forces.

What else does the constitution grant the president the power to do?

Sign treaties on behalf of the US with other nations and to appoint justices to the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, a cabinet and ambassadors.

What has the President become since Roosevelt?

The main source of a legislative programme, the Chief Diplomat of the US and architect of its foreign policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main role of the vice president?

Replacing the president in the event of death, resignation, casting vote if the Senate is tied. Signup and view all the answers

What do the responsibilities of office largely depend on?

The wishes of the President. Signup and view all the answers

What has the VP been since Walter Mondale?

More important tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Name two extremely influential VPs.

Dick Cheney under Bush and Joe Biden under Obama. Signup and view all the answers

How many cabinet departments are there?

15 Signup and view all the answers

What are heads of cabinet departments responsible for?

Managing departments, drawing up proposed specialist legislation and offering policy options. Signup and view all the answers

The cabinet is very influential in the US like it is in the UK.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is EXOP often regarded as?

The powerhouse of the modern presidency. Signup and view all the answers

Name some important units in EXOP.

The White House Office, OMB, NSC. Signup and view all the answers

What are independent agencies and commissions?

Only partly under Presidential control, set up by Congress to carry out a specific task. Signup and view all the answers

Independent agencies are fully controlled by the President.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the vast civil service include?

The top layer of which changes with the President. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure of the Executive Branch

Composed of the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, Executive Office of the President (EXOP), independent agencies, commissions, and a large civil service workforce.

Presidential Responsibilities

Executes laws passed by Congress and proposes measures "from time to time."
Serves as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

Presidential Powers

Signs treaties with other nations.
Appoints justices to the Supreme Court, lower federal courts, Cabinet members, and ambassadors, with Senate approval required.

Evolution of Presidential Role

Since FDR, the President has become a primary source of legislative programs and serves as Chief Diplomat and architect of U.S. foreign policy.

Vice Presidential Role

Responsible for succeeding the President in case of death or resignation.
Casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate.

Office Responsibilities

Duties of the President and Vice President largely depend on individual preferences and styles.

Vice President Importance

The office has gained influence since Walter Mondale's tenure, with roles extending beyond traditional expectations.

Influential Vice Presidents

Notable examples include Dick Cheney under George W. Bush and Joe Biden under Barack Obama.

Cabinet Structure

Comprised of 15 departments focused on various governmental functions.

Cabinet Functions

Heads manage their departments, propose specialized legislation, and provide policy options.

Comparison of U.S. and U.K. Cabinets

U.S. Cabinet is less influential than its U.K. counterpart, although certain members can hold significant sway.

Executive Office of the President (EXOP)

Considered the operational core of the presidency; various units play critical roles in administration.

Key Units in EXOP

The White House Office includes Chief of Staff and key aides, while the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) handles budget formulation and overall management. The National Security Council (NSC) advises on military, defense, and foreign policy.

Independent Agencies and Commissions

Created by Congress to perform specific tasks; examples include NASA and the National Labor Relations Board. They operate with limited presidential control.

Independence of IACs

Functionally independent from presidential and congressional control; leaders are appointed by the President but serve fixed terms that may exceed the President’s term.

Civil Service Dynamics

The civil service adapts with presidential changes, as new appointees often replace top officials upon taking office.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the executive branch through these flashcards. Explore key concepts including the roles and responsibilities of the President, Vice President, and other key players. Perfect for students preparing for exams on American Government.