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?
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What is a main role of the vice president?
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What do the responsibilities of office largely depend on?
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What has the VP been since Walter Mondale?
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Name two extremely influential VPs.
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How many cabinet departments are there?
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What are heads of cabinet departments responsible for?
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The cabinet is very influential in the US like it is in the UK.
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What is EXOP often regarded as?
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Name some important units in EXOP.
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What are independent agencies and commissions?
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Independent agencies are fully controlled by the President.
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What does the vast civil service include?
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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.
