THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH Chapter 7 (part 2)

Foreign Policy Primary goal of foreign policy – national security – the ability to keep the country safe from attack/harm Impossible to meet other goals while nation is under attack Secondary Goal – international trade Creates markets for American made goods and helps strengthen American economy Third Goal – Promote Peace Creates safe and stable world for trade and relations Fourth Goal - Promote Democracy – promotes natural rights of people across Earth

Congress vs. the President Congress – though President is our Diplomat and Commander and Chief, Congress declares war Power Struggle between the two of foreign policy Who is making decisions and who is executing policy?

Tools of Policy Treaties – formal agreements between two countries Senate must approve treaties with a 2/3 vote, however President can pass Executive Agreements – mostly these deal with routine matters Ambassadors – an official representative of a country President appoints – confirmed by Senate Foreign Aid – money, food, military assistance Trade Sanctions – punish a nation by imposing trade barriers Embargo – group of nation’s agreeing not to trade with particular nation Military Force

Offices of the Executive Branch The Executive Office – members of the Presidents staff, includes his personal advisors like the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary (West Wing Characters) Office Management and Budget – helps prepare the annual budget National Security Council – helps direct president on issues such as military and foreign policy

The Cabinet Cabinet – group of presidential advisors that includes the heads of 15 executive departments Cabinet members advise the President on issues related to their departments Cabinet is NOT part of the Constitution – Was created and implemented by George Washington

CabinetFunction Department of the StatePlans and deals with Foreign Policy Department of the TreasuryCollects, borrows, prints, spends money Department of DefenseManages the armed forces Department of JusticeResponsible for all aspects of law enforcement Department of the InteriorManages public land and natural resources Department of AgricultureAssists farmers and farm products Department of CommerceTrade, US Business, Tourism Department of LaborWorking conditions, wages Department of Health and Human ServicesWell-being and health of all Americans Department of Housing and Urban DevelopDeals with special needs and cities Department of TransportationManages highways, railroads, airlines, etc Department of EnergyDirects energy plan of the nation Department of EducationProves advice/funding for public schools Department of Veterans AffairsServes for armed forces veterans Department of Homeland SecurityDefense against Terrorism

VP and First Lady Vice-President Authority delegated by President First Lady Usually take on special interest programs Example: Laura Bush – Education and Readign

Bureaucracy Federal Bureaucracy – The agencies and employees of the Executive Branch Duties: 1. Turn laws into action by deciding how to apply laws to daily life 2. Administer day-to-day operations of Executive Branch 3. Regulate various activities (broadcasting, unions, banks) Independent Agencies Executive Agencies: deal with specialized areas within government Government Corporations: private businesses owned by the government (post office) Regulatory Commissions: Regulate to protect the public (Federal Communications Commission)

Civil Service System All people who work for government are known as Civil Servants. Spoils System – government jobs went to people as a reward for their political service/support Abuses of power ended the Spoils System with the Pendleton Act Merit System – Limited jobs handed out to “friends” Government officials hire from list of people that are qualified through Civil Service Standards