The Distinguished Office The Presidency and the Executive Branch

Organizing Questions How does the executive branch carry out the day-to-day operation of the government? How has the role of the President expanded over time? Why does the Electoral College system exist? Which check and balances effect the executive branch?

The Purpose of the Executive Branch and the Presidency The purpose of the President’s office and the executive branch is to execute – or enforce – the laws passed by Congress. Members of the executive branch include the President, the Vice President, the President’s Cabinet, the officers of the President, and all members of the federal bureaucracy. Everyone in this branch reports to the President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt looks on in the background as his Attorney General George Cortelyou enforces the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

The Roles of the President The President is more than just a man that executes the law. He or she has other important roles, both practical and symbolic: 1. Chief of State 2. Chief Executive 3. Chief Diplomat 4. Commander-in-Chief 5. Chief Legislator 6. Chief Economist The President is responsible for making all of this work – whether he has influence over every aspect or not!

What are the responsibilities of the President? He oversees the executive branch of the government. He issues executive orders. The appointment and removal of officials in the executive branch. Creating treaties with foreign nations. Negotiation. Commanding the United States Military.

The Electoral College System Although the Founding Fathers believed that democracy was one aspect of a healthy government, they had very little confidence in the ability of Americans to elect their own leaders – especially men outside of the localities in which they lived. Hence, the Electoral College System was set up to elect the President – not the popular vote. In several Elections, the winner of the popular voted failed to win the Presidency: The Election of 1824 (The Corrupt Bargain…) The Election of 1876 (The Compromise of 1876) The Election of 2000 (Gore V. Bush)

The Electoral College Map

The Electoral College In the present incarnation of the Electoral College Map, a Presidential Candidate needs to win 270 votes in order to become POTUS. Because there are state which traditionally support one party instead of another, candidates tend to focus only on “swing states” – or states which may go either way in a Presidential contest. California traditionally votes for liberal and Democratic Candidates. Texas traditionally votes for conservative and Republican Candidates. Virginia is a classic “Swing State,” although recently Virginia’s have elected more and more Democrats to national office, the state continues to send Republican legislators to Richmond.

Checks over the Legislative Branch The President has several powers over the Congress. First, he has the ability to propose laws himself, and since people pay attention to the President, he often influences debate. Secondly, the President has the veto power – meaning he can simply reject bills which are passed by the Congress. Finally, the President can issue executive orders regarding the way laws are enforced – or not. Hence, even though the laws may not change, they are enforced differently depending on who is the POTUS.

The Federal Bureaucracy

Bureaucratic Agencies The Department of Agriculture The Department of Commerce The Department of Defense The Department of Education The Department of Energy The Department of Health and Human Services The Department of Homeland Security The Department of Housing and Urban Development The Department of the Interior The Department of Justice The Department of Labor The State Department The Department of Transportation The Department of the Treasury The Department of Veterans Affairs

Cabinet Departments The President relies upon members of his Cabinet to give him advice and handle the peculiarities of their department of the government. The Secretary of State may negotiate a treaty; the Secretary of Defense works out the military budget; and the Attorney General determines which anti-trust suits may need to filed. Everyone, though, serves at the pleasure of the President and is accountable to him or her.

Independent Executive Agencies There are a whole group of law enforcement officials who work for the Executive Office, as well. These law enforcement officials are directed into action by the President, and the executive branch determines which aspects of law enforcement will be emphasized by each department. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) The Border Patrol Immigration The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Department (ATF) The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

Regulatory Agencies The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Acts were passed in the early 1900s, and created groups like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which inspects both agricultural products and medicines to make certain they are safe for consumers. These agencies enforce laws like the Pure Food and Drug Act or the Clean Air Act, and have the power to shut down dangerous companies who pollute the ecosystems of the nation or otherwise jeopardize the public health. Some President encourage this, others do not.

The Spoils System is Reformed! During the 19 th Century, government jobs were often given away to anyone who had supported a particular candidate for office. Andrew Jackson’s “Spoils System” was notoriously corrupt. However, after President James Garfield was assassinated by a disgruntled office seeker in 1883, the Congress passed a law called the Pendleton Act. This created the Civil Service Commission. Today, government employees must pass competitive exams in order to be hired over other candidates, and the efficiency of the government is much improved. These jobs pay fairly well and have generous pensions, so they tend to be highly sought after.