The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch 13 min

The President Cabinet – group made up of heads of the executive depts., the Veep and other important officials who advise and assist the President.

The President Requirements to become President of the U.S. Must be native born citizen of the U.S. Must be years old. Must have lived in the U.S. for 14 years.

Salary and Benefits $400,000 per year plus $50,000 travel expenses. Salary is set by Congress and cannot be changed during President’s term. Free lodging at the White House and use of Camp David (mountain estate in Maryland). Finest possible medical care and hundreds of assistants to help in carrying out of duties.

Election and Terms of Office George Washington stepped down after two terms. No president served more than two terms until 1940 when President Roosevelt was elected to a third term. In 1944 Roosevelt was elected to a 4th term but died in office.

Election and Terms of Office After Roosevelt died, Congress proposed (and passed) the 22nd amendment which made it law for the President to be limited to two terms.

The Vice-President The Vice-President is the only other member of the executive branch mentioned in the Constitution. The qualifications for office of the Vice-President are the same as for President.

Salary and Benefits $230,700 per year and $50,000 travel expenses. The Vice-President also receives many of the same benefits that the President does.

Presidential Succession In 1947 Congress passed “The Presidential Succession Act”. This law indicates the line of succession that is followed when a President dies or leaves office.

Presidential Succession Vice President Speaker of the House President Pro Tempore of the Senate Secretary of State Secretary of Treasury Secretary of Defense Attorney General Secretaries of Other Executive Departments

Presidential Roles / Chief Executive Bureaucracy – the large network of individuals and agencies who oversee the execution of national law. As Chief Executive, the President is the head of the bureaucracy

Chief Executive (2) Executive Order – a rule or command issued by the President that has the force of law. Often issued during times of crisis or emergency, Executive Orders are generally considered a tool the President uses to carry out national law.

Presidential Roles / Chief Diplomat Ambassador – an official representative of a country’s government. The president appoints ambassadors who are sent to other countries to represent the United States. These Presidential appointees must be approved by the Senate.

Chief Diplomat (2) Treaty – a formal agreement between two or more countries. Executive Agreements – an agreement between the President and the leader of another country. Treaties require approval of the Senate, Executive agreements do not.

Commander in Chief The War Powers Act requires the President to notify Congress immediately when troops are sent into battle. These troops must be brought home within 60 days unless Congress a gives its approval.

Commander in Chief (2) During peacetime, the President may use the armed services to keep the peace in this country or in any other country.

Development of the Cabinet George Washington created the first three executive departments. They were the Department of State, Department of Treasury and Department of War. Today there are 14 executive departments whose “heads” (called secretaries) are members of the Presidents cabinet.

Department of State Foreign Policy – a plan for dealing with other nations. Embassies – American offices set up in foreign nations, headed by an ambassador, who handles details of relations with the foreign nation . Passport – an official document that identifies a traveler as an American citizen.

Department of the Treasury This department is responsible for collecting, borrowing and spending the money that the nation requires. The Treasury Department includes the Internal Revenue Service (taxes) as well as the Bureau of the Mint which makes our money. It include the Secret Service which protects the President and Vice President.

Department of Defense This department oversees the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the Air Force. By law, the heads of these branches of the services may not be military officers.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century Department of Justice Headed by the Attorney General, this department includes the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation , conducts investigations and arrests suspects who are suspected of breaking Federal law.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century (2) Department of Justice INS – Immigration and Naturalization Service, is responsible for enforcing the nation’s immigration laws.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century (3) Department of the Interior Established in 1849 to manage the vast tracts of land that were added to the United States, this department is primarily responsible for the conservation of the land it manages. Conservation – protection of the nations public lands and natural resources.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century (4) Department of the Interior The National Park Service oversees 80 million acres of land in national parks across the country. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains wildlife refuges and protects endangered animals. The Bureau of Indian Affairs manages land set aside for the use of Native Americans.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century (5) Department of Agriculture The USDA helps the farmers and consumers of farm products. Divisions include the Food Safety and Inspection Service which helps maintain the quality and safety of meat and poultry.

Departments Created in the Nineteenth Century (5) Department of Agriculture The Food and Nutrition Service distributes food stamps to millions of needy families. The Forest Service maintains nearly 200 million acres of national forests.

Departments Created in the Early 1900s Department of Commerce This department was established to encourage the growth of American business. It supervises international trade, promotes tourism and business and collects information about the country’s economic well-being.

Departments Created in the Early 1900s (2) Department of Commerce The Commerce Department includes the Bureau of the Census which counts our population every years. The National Patent and Trademark Office keeps official records on inventions and product names.

Departments Created in the Early 1900s (3) Department of Labor This department was established to enforce laws against unfair labor practices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets health and safety standards that employers must meet to protect workers from physical harm.

Departments Created Since 1950 Department of Health and Human Services This department is concerned with the welfare of Americans. The Social Security Administration and the Family Support Administration provide financial support for those who might otherwise live in poverty.

Departments Created Since 1950 (2) Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD – gives grants (free money) to state and local governments for such projects as rebuilding slums, improving neighborhoods and building low-income housing.

Departments Created Since 1950 (3) Department of Transportation The DOT – was created to manage the country’s highways, railroads, airlines, and sea traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets standards for the safety of automobiles.

Departments Created Since 1950 (4) Department of Energy Created in 1977, this department was meant to make and direct an overall energy policy for the nation. It regulates the development and use of United States oil and gas resources as well as conducts research into their use.

Departments Created Since 1950 (5) Department of Education While responsibility for education rests mainly with the states and local communities, this department offers advice and assistance as well as distributing federal money to school districts.

Departments Created Since 1950 (6) Department of Veterans Affairs Serving the 27 million people who have served in the armed forces, this department give such services as inexpensive life insurance and financial aid for education.