Unit 1 Study Guide Flashcards
Describe the role of this president: Chief executive
- Appoints cabinet members and supreme court when vacancies occur
- Oversees all federal agencies
- Enforcing laws Congress has passed
Describe the role of this president: Chief diplomat
- Meets with foreign leaders to oversee treaties, negotiates trade deals
- Represents US in foreign countries
Describe the role of this president: Chief of party
- Head of political party they belong to
- Appoints committee leaders
- Campaigns for members of his party
Describe the role of this president: Commander-in-chief
- Final authority in military actions
- Able to send troops, launch nuclear weapons
Describe the role of this president: Chief legislator
- Make recommendations to Congress about laws
- May veto or sign laws
What is federal bureaucracy?
A structure that is organized within the executive branch. Appointed by Congress, organizations within the federal bureaucracy are to move the business of government along.
Describe examples of federal bureaucracy.
Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc.
What are the roles of the cabinet?
- Advise the president
- In charge of their department
How many cabinet members are there?
16 - 15 cabinet members & the vice president
Describe an executive order.
An official document through which the president of the US manages the operations of the Federal government. (He is allowed to do this due to the Constitution.)
What are the types of vetos?
Describe them both.
Regular Veto: The president returns a bill to Congress (the house it originated in).
Pocket Veto: The president does not return the legislation to Congress, but simply does not act.
How can a veto be overridden?
A veto can be overridden by a 2/3rds vote of both Houses of Congress.
What are the requirements to becoming a president?
- Be a natural born citizen of the US
- Be at least 35 years old
- Been a resident of the US for 14 years
What are the houses of Congress?
House of Representatives
Senate
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Oversees American farming industry
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Promotes economic growth; oversees U.S. Census and NOAA
Department of Defense (DOD)
Oversees the branches of the military to protect the U.S. abroad
Department of Education (ED)
Establishes policy and provides federal funding to public schools; oversees ERIC
Department of Energy (DOE)
Advances energy and environmental security; promotes environmental science innovation
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Enhances the health and well-being of all Americans; oversees CDC and FDA
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Protects U.S. from domestic emergencies and terrorism; oversees U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Addresses housing needs and enforces fair housing laws
Department of the Interior (DOI)
Manages public lands; oversees USGS and BLM
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Enforces the law and ensures public safety; oversees FBI
Department of Labor (DOL)
Manages working conditions, employment and worker wellbeing
Department of State (DOS)
Manages foreign affairs and diplomacy
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Plans and supports the U.S. transportation system; oversees FAA
Department of Treasury (TREAS)
Promotes economic prosperity and manages U.S. financial systems; oversees IRS
Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
Provides and oversees services to veterans of American wars
