Executive Branch

What is the Executive Branch?

The Executive branch is the second branch of US government. It was mentioned in Article II of the constitution. The Executive Branch contains the President, the Cabinet, and other federal agencies.

The Cabinet is there to advise the President on the different subjects that the Secretaries represent. It is made up of the Vice President, and the heads of the fifteen different executive departments. The fifteen Secretaries are the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Justice, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Interior, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Transports, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

What does the U.S. Executive branch do and how does it do it?

The Executive branch is in charge of signing legislation passed by Congress into law. The President can also veto laws, which is an example of checks and balances, but Congress can overrule the President's veto if two thirds of both houses vote in favor of the law. The Executive branch is also in charge of diplomacy with other countries. They have the power to appoint ambassadors and diplomats, negotiate and sign treaties, but the Senate has to ratify the treaties. The President also has the power to appoint federal judges, and Supreme Court justices. The President also has the power issue an executive order.

Checks and Balances

There are many checks and balances in place on the Executive branch. For example, if the President vetoes a law, Congress can overrule the veto. Also, if the President issues an executive order, the Supreme Court can say that the executive order is unconstitutional and overrule it. There is also a two term term limit on the president.

If someone wanted to become president, going into politics of any kind would be useful.