Executive Branch Notes

What is the job of the executive branch?

• Enforce laws

Who is under the executive branch?

Federal Level• U.S. President & Vice President• Federal departments and agencies (Ex: Department of education,

FBI…etc)

State Level• Governor & Lieutenant Governor• State departments & agencies

Local Level• Mayor• City departments & agencies

Requirements to be President

• At least age 35• Must live in the U.S. for at least 14 years• Must be a U.S. citizen• Must be born on U.S. soil

Powers of the President

• Military- Commander and chief of the U.S. military• Diplomatic- Can make treaties with other countries,

can represent the U.S. in other countries• Appointment-Can appoint heads of departments and

judges• Legislative- Can suggest ideas for bills, can veto bills

Federal Bureaucracy• Departments and agencies that help the

president carry out laws

Presidential Cabinet• Close group of advisors to the president

Limits on power (Write down 2)

• President can only authorize short missions for the military (less than 30 days)

• Congress approval is needed for longer military involvement (and to declare war)

• Congress has to approve most presidential appointments

• Congress can override a presidential veto with 2/3 approval

What is the definition of a Veto?

• When the President rejects or refuses to sign a bill into law because they disagree with it.

Powers of the Vice President

• Take over if something happens to the President

• Be the leader of the U.S. Senate• Assist the President when called upon

How often is there a Presidential Election?

• Every 4 years

How many times can someone be elected president?

• Twice