Structure of the Executive Branch Essential Questions: How is the authority to make and enforce laws determined? Why and how should government enforce laws while still insuring equal protection under the law?

Structure of the Executive Branch The Executive Branch is led by the President of the United States Article 2 of the Constitution explains the roles/powers of the POTUS. Art. 2 also sets the qualifications to be POTUS At least 35 years old A natural born citizen of the United States At least a 14 year resident of the US prior to the election 2nd in power is the Vice President of the United States A person becomes VP by being selected as a running mate by a presidential candidate. Qualifications to be VP are the same as the president

Executive Departments There are 15 Executive Departments that have been created by different presidents over time. The person in charge of each department is called a “secretary”. Each secretary is appointed by the President and approved by the Senate (checks and balances!) The 15 secretaries form the President’s cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of advisors to help the president make important decisions.

Executive Agencies Within each Executive Department are different federal agencies. These agencies are responsible for enforcing all federal laws. Examples: FBI, DEA, NASA, ATF, FCC, CPSC, OSHA, CIA, TSA, etc.

Order of Presidential Succession The 25th Amendment to the US Constitution established the order of Presidential Succession – who would become president if the current president had to leave office. Vice President Speaker of the House President Pro Tempore Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of Defense Attorney General Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary of Transportation Secretary of Energy Secretary of Education Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary of Homeland Security