1. 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?

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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