Executive Branch Flashcards
Define Electoral College
(in the US) a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president
Each state gets 2 senate votes and the number of House votes depends on size
Define treaty.
a formal agreement between 2 or more sovereign states
define executive agreement
a pact between the president and the head of a foreign state
define cabinet/executive department
a board to advise the President; members are the secretaries of executive departments; the United States constitution does not provide for the cabinet
They are appointed by the president
War Powers Resolution of 1973
- President must report to congress within 48 hours of committing troops
- commitment must end within 60 days unless congress agrees to a longer time
Presidential Succession act of 1947
Vice president takes over the office of President upon the death, resignation, or removal by impeachment of a President
twentieth amendment
moved inauguration day of the President from March 4th to January 20th
twenty second amendment
limits the number of terms a President can serve to 2
twenty fifth amendment
if there is vacancy, the president appoints a new VP and both houses must confirm the nominee
What are the qualifications of the President?
- natural born citizen
- at least 35 years old
- resident of the U.S. for 14 years
- art 1, sec 1, clause 5
Where in the Constitution is the Executive Branch outlined?
article 2
What are the eight roles of the President? Briefly describe each role.
- Chief of State
- Chief Executive
- Chief Administrator
- Chief Diplomat
- Commander in Chief
- Chief Legislator
- Chief of Party
- Chief Citizen
How many votes does each state get in the Electoral College?
their number of representatives in the house + the number of senators
How long is a Presidential Term?
4 years
Which laws does the President execute or enforce?
all federal laws; no matter what his personal view may be
Who must approve Presidential appointments?
senate; article 2, sect. 2, clause 2
What has been the role of the President’s Cabinet over time?
To advise the president when making decisions (?)
Why has the number of Executive Departments grown over time?
because the workload of the govt has grown
What tools can the President use when conducting foreign policy?
- treaties
- executive agreements
- ambassadors
- military force
- foreign aid
Describe the presidents role as Chief of State
- Ceremonial Head of Government
- Represents America
Describe the presidents role as Chief Executive
- Given power by the Constitution
- BOth Domestic and foreign affairs
Describe the presidents role as Chief Administrator
-Director of Executive Branch and head of one of the largest government machines in the world
Describe the presidents role as Chief Diplomat
-Chief Spokesperson to the rest of the world and essential figure in shaping foreign policy
Describe the presidents role as Commander in Chief
- Supreme commander in all the nation’s forces
- Immediate and direct control of the nation’s military arsenal
Describe the presidents role as Chief Legislator
- Signs bills into law
- Sets overall shape of Congressional agenda and requests much of Congress’s legislation
Describe the presidents role as Chief of Party
Leader of his political party
Describe the presidents role as Chief Citizen
- Represents american people
- Represent and work for the public’s interest
