The Executive Branch
The branch of government that enforces laws
Overview
The executive branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. federal government, established by Article II of the Constitution. It is responsible for enforcing and administering federal laws, conducting foreign policy, and serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The President and Vice President
The President
4-year term (limited to 2 terms)
Key Powers
- Commander-in-chief of the armed forces
- Can veto legislation
- Appoints federal judges and Cabinet members
- Conducts foreign relations
- Grants pardons and reprieves
- Calls special sessions of Congress
Requirements
- Natural-born citizen
- At least 35 years old
- At least 14 years resident in the U.S.
The Vice President
4-year term (same ballot as President)
Key Powers
- President of the Senate
- Breaks ties in the Senate
- Assumes the presidency if President cannot serve
- Counts electoral votes in Congress
Requirements
- Natural-born citizen
- At least 35 years old
- At least 14 years resident in the U.S.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet consists of the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments. Cabinet members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
State
Secretary of State
Treasury
Secretary of the Treasury
Defense
Secretary of Defense
Justice
Attorney General
Interior
Secretary of the Interior
Agriculture
Secretary of Agriculture
Commerce
Secretary of Commerce
Labor
Secretary of Labor
Health and Human Services
Secretary of HHS
Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of HUD
Transportation
Secretary of Transportation
Energy
Secretary of Energy
Education
Secretary of Education
Veterans Affairs
Secretary of VA
Homeland Security
Secretary of DHS
Executive Office of the President
In addition to the Cabinet, the President is supported by several offices within the Executive Office of the President (EOP):
- White House Office: Senior advisors and staff
- National Security Council: Foreign policy and national security
- Council of Economic Advisers: Economic policy
- Office of Management and Budget: Budget and administration
- Office of the Vice President: VP's staff and operations
Constitutional Foundation
"The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years..."
— Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution
Article II establishes the presidency and grants the President specific powers including the veto, appointment powers, and command of the military.