Executive Branch Flashcards
Which branch of government carries out the laws?
The Executive branch
Which article of the constitution gives the Executive branch its power?
Article II
Who is the chief executive of the executive branch?
The president
What is the electoral college?
How does it effect the presidential elections?
The electoral college is the main deciding factor in determining who wins the presidential election. Each state has the same number of electors as members in congress (both houses). In order to become president you have to win the majority of the electoral votes.
What does the 22 amendment say?
A president can only serve two terms
How old does a president have to be?
At least thirty five
How long does the president have to be a U.S. citizen for?
Trick question
The president has to be a natural born U.S. citizen
What are the president’s powers?
- Commander in Chief of nation’s military forces
- Can make treaties or formal agreements with other nations, with the consent of the senate
- Chief diplomat - can nominate or recommend ambassadors and Supreme Court justices
- Can grant pardons to the people convicted of violating federal or national laws
- The executive branch was given departments to carry out its duties. For example the State Department handles relations with other nations. There are over a dozen executive departments.
- The president makes a State of the Union address every January
Who can impeach the president?
The House of Representatives can vote to impeach him.
The Senate puts him on trial and the senators serve as the jury. If found guilty, the president is removed from office.
What are the president’s two types of powers?
Formal and informal
What purpose does the Vice President serve?
He is the president’s backup and breaks a tie in the Senate.
How is the president elected?
Through a combination of popular and electoral votes
