The Cabinet Chapter 8 Section 3

Selection of the Cabinet There are 15 major executive departments, and the President appoints the heads of each one. An appointee usually will have a background in the department he or she will head. Dept of state Dept of the treasury Dept of defense Justice Interior Agriculture Commerce Labor Health and human services Housing and urban development Transportation Energy Education Veterans affairs Homeland security

Selection of the Cabinet President provides geographic balance as well as racial and gender representation. Ex: Dept. of agriculture secretary is usually from a farming state. Almost always college grads Cabinet- The 15 secretaries, vice president, and several other top officials.

The Executive Office Chapter 8 Section 4

Executive Office of the President Councils of other groups

Presidential Powers Chapter 9 Section 1

Informal Sources of Power Article 2 of the Constitution defines presidential powers However, there are powers that are not listed (Informal). Can adjust power based on: Personal Exercise of Power Immediate needs of the nation Mandate of the people

Limits on Executive Power Safeguards are built into the constitution to ensure that presidents do not abuse their power. Limitation by Congress Gives congress the power to pass legislation even after the president has vetoed it. Senate approves appointees, while the house approves budget. Impeachment Limitation by Federal Courts Court has final say if president’s actions are unconstitutional. Limitation by the Bureaucracy Bureaucracy can obstruct president’s programs unintentionally by failing to provide needed info, misinterpreting instructions, or not executing a task. Limitation by Public Opinion- Public opinion can make it difficult for the president to enact different programs, such as healthcare reforms.

Roles of the President 9.2

Roles of the President Head of State- President represents nation and performs many ceremonial roles Chief Executive- Sees that the laws of congress are carried out. Executive branch employs more that 2 million prople to enforce laws. No president could directly supervise the entire branch, so they try to influence laws to reflect their philosophy of government.

Chief executive continued Tools of influence- The president has many tools to influence how laws are carried out. Executive orders- rules that have the force of law and detail what specific actions agencies must take to implement a law. Appoint leaders that share their goals Right to fire leaders Impoundment of funds President removes funds from a program Reprieves and pardons Reprieve- postponement of punishment Amnesty- Group pardon

Chief Legislator Executive branch must propose legislation

Economic Planner Submits an annual economic report to congress Prepare an annual budget- President supervises this. Decides which programs to support and which to cut back.

Party Leader President may be expected to give speeches to help party members running for office or attend fund-raising activities Appoints parties national chair and plans further election strategies.

Chief Diplomat Direct foreign policy Make treaties Make executive agreements Recognize foreign governments

Commander in chief Power to make war Makes key military decisions