US Government - Executive Branch Powers

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Secretary of Labor?

Handle regulations for energy sources

Manage transportation safety across modes

Ensure fair wages and working conditions for workers (correct)

Oversee military benefits and services

Which department is responsible for providing services to military veterans?

Department of Labor

Department of Veterans Affairs (correct)

Department of Education

Department of Homeland Security

What is the main distinction between enforcement and regulation in government agencies?

Regulation sets rules for law implementation, whereas enforcement ensures adherence to those rules. (correct)

Enforcement includes writing laws, while regulation is about compliance.

Enforcement focuses solely on punishing violations of the law, while regulation is about education.

Regulation involves compliance checks, while enforcement is about establishing laws.

Which of the following is NOT a method by which the United States can go to war?

Executive Order Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Secretary of Health and Human Services play in the government?

Provide services for Americans' health and basic needs Signup and view all the answers

Which body holds the constitutional power to declare war?

Congress Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Secretary of State?

Manages relationships with foreign countries Signup and view all the answers

How has the use of congressional war-making powers evolved over time?

Presidents often bypass Congress to engage in military actions. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the head of the Department of Justice?

Attorney General Signup and view all the answers

Which department focuses on creating strong communities and affordable housing?

Department of Housing and Urban Development Signup and view all the answers

Independent agencies are different from executive branch agencies because they are primarily?

Not directly controlled by the president or executive branch Signup and view all the answers

Which department is responsible for supervising trade and promoting U.S. business interests?

Department of Commerce Signup and view all the answers

What does the Secretary of Defense primarily manage?

The armed forces and conducts wars Signup and view all the answers

The Department of Agriculture primarily focuses on which of the following?

Regulating farm production and working with farmers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agencies is part of the Department of Justice?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Signup and view all the answers

How are the members of independent agencies typically appointed?

By a board of commission with restrictions Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the executive branch regarding judicial appointments?

It has the authority to appoint key officials and judges. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes departments from independent agencies within the executive branch?

Department heads are part of the President's Cabinet, while agency heads are not. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of executive orders?

To manage federal operations without Congressional approval. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation exemplifies the President's use of executive privilege?

Withholding sensitive information in the interest of national security. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of crisis management relate to FEMA?

Crisis management involves coordinating FEMA's responses to emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about executive agreements?

They can be established without the need for Senate approval. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the executive branch departments play?

They manage specific areas of government policy and administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a power of the president related to pardons?

The authority to grant pardons for state crimes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

US Government - Executive/Legislative Branch and Media Bias

Roles of the President:
- Textbook pages 242-244
- Chief of state (ceremonial duties)
- Chief of executive (head of government, enforces laws, appoints officials)
- Chief diplomat (foreign relations)
- Commander-in-chief (military)
- Chief policy maker (proposes legislation, signs bills, vetoes)
- Chief of the party (leader of political party)
- Chief manager of the economy (monitors economy)

Powers of the President (Chapter 13)

Review formal/informal powers from slide show
Executive orders (discussed in slide show)
Commander-in-Chief: Commands US armed forces; direct military operations, deploy troops, make strategic decisions; constrained by Congress’s war declaration/funding powers.
Veto Power: President can veto legislation passed by Congress; has 10 days to sign or veto a bill; 2/3 of Congress can override a veto; if bill is not signed within 10 days it becomes law (only if Congress is in session).
Treaty-Making: President can negotiate and sign treaties with foreign nations, some require Senate (⅔) approval, some do not.
State of the Union Address: Required by Constitution to inform Congress and recommend legislation; addresses the condition of the state; offers ideas on solving national problems; recommends new legislation.
Calling Congress into Special Session: If a pressing issue arises, President can call Congress into special session.

Executive Branch Bureaucracy

Textbook pages 246-248
Understand the general size and scope of the executive branch
President
Departments underneath
Departments differ from independent agencies
- Department heads are part of president’s Cabinet
- Independent agencies are not managed by the president
- Departments are the main organization in the executive branch (15 departments)

Departments and Agencies

Education, transportation, defense, energy, etc.
Smaller agencies perform different jobs
DOJ (Justice Dept) – operates justice system/FBI/DEA
Independent Agencies – independent of the president, address specific issues.
Controlled by a board of commissioners (less presidential influence).
President’s cabinet are appointed secretaries to lead each department; offer advice.

War-making powers

Review video notes (links on canvas).
Four ways US can go to war: Declaration of war, treaty, statute, sudden attack.
Which branch holds the power to declare war?
Congress
Force authorizations: -Joint resolutions from Congress (e.g. September 18, 2001 authorizing use of US armed forces against those responsible for September 11 terrorist attacks).

Legislative Branch Structure

Bicameral: two houses (House of Representatives, Senate)
Each house limits the power of the other
House of Representatives:
- 435 members (proportional to population)
- Minimum of 1 member per state
- 2-year terms (supposed to adjust to current needs, always hanging)
Senate
- 100 members, 2 per state
- 6-year terms (looking towards the future)

Legislative Powers

Primary function of legislative branch: makes laws; declares war, regulates interstate commerce, controls taxing/spending policies.
House powers (exclusively):
- Impeachment
- Initiate revenue bills
- Election of President (tie case)
Senate powers (exclusively):
- Hold impeachment trials
- Ratify treaties
- Confirmation powers (confirming presidential appointments).
17th amendment: changed how senators are elected (direct election by the people)
How does impeachment work? (House starts, Senate conducts the trial).
How does a bill become a law?
Steps after Congress approval, steps if president approves, steps if congress overrides the veto

Media Bias and Gerrymandering

Methods and criticisms of gerrymandering
Gerrymandering: the redrawing of voting lines to favor a certain party.
Criticisms: packing/cracking.
When is gerrymandering legal vs. illegal?
Packing: concentrate a majority of opposing party members into a few districts to minimize the amount of districts they can win.
Cracking: Dividing one political party up into several different districts to lessen their chances of winning any one of them.

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Description

Explore the roles and powers of the President of the United States, focusing on their formal and informal powers as outlined in Chapter 13. This quiz covers key responsibilities, including their duties as Commander-in-Chief and their legislative authority. Test your understanding of media bias in relation to the executive and legislative branches.