2.1 The Power of the President

Question 1

How many executive departments were in existence when George Washington served as president? What were they?

Answer 1

There were only three executive departments: State, Treasury, and War.

Question 2

How many executive departments are there today?

Answer 2

There are 15 executive departments today.

Question 3

The expansion of presidential power is the result of several factors and development:

Answer 3

• Growth in policies and programs that must be administered by the executive branch.
• Development of political parties and mass media, which have strengthened the direct connection between the president and the American people.
• Globalization and advancements in industry and technology that have centrally located the United States in the world.
• Claims of implied constitutional powers by individual presidents, and delegation of greater authority by Congress.

Question 4

The federal civilian payroll for the executive branch includes ___ employees.

Answer 4

over 2.6 million

Question 5

The spread and integration of economics, politics, technology, and culture around the world.

Answer 5

Globalization