The President
Vice President & Cabinet
Executive Departments
Independent agencies
Powers and Duties
100

This document, signed by the president, carries the force of law without requiring Congressional approval.

An Executive Order

100

As President of the Senate, the Vice President may cast a vote only under this condition.

When there is a tie

100

The oldest executive department, established in 1789, responsible for managing U.S. foreign policy.

The Department of State

100

This independent agency is responsible for the U.S. space exploration program and was founded in 1958.

NASA

100

The president exercises this power to free an individual from punishment or record for a federal crime.

A pardon

200

A president must be at least this many years old to hold office.

35 years old

200

Ratified in 1967, established these changes in the 25th amendment after JFK's assassination.

The Vice President would assume the presidency if the President dies, resigns, is untable, or for any reason unable to serve. 

200

This department manages the nation's financial resources, including the IRS and U.S. Mint.

The Department of the Treasury

200

 This agency, created in 1970, enforces federal laws protecting human health and the natural environment.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

200

Treaties sent to the Senate by the president must be approved by this fraction of senators.

Two-thirds majority

300

This constitutional amendment limited presidents to two terms in office, ratified in 1951.

The 22nd Amendment

300

The Cabinet member who leads the State Department and serves as the nation's top diplomat.

The Secretary of State

300

Created after 9/11, this department consolidated 22 federal agencies to protect the homeland.

The Department of Homeland Security

300

The independent agency that delivers mail to every address in the nation

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

300

The annual address the president delivers to Congress outlining legislative priorities and the nation's condition.

The State of the Union Address

400

This phrase describes the president's role as the nation's top military officer, established in Article II of the Constitution.

Commander in Chief

400

This Cabinet official is the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government.

The Attorney General

400

This department administers benefits and services for military veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs

400

This independent agency, known by three letters, is the nation's primary intelligence-gathering organization abroad.

The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

400

George Washington set this important precedent by voluntarily stepping down, which held for over 150 years.

Two Term Precedent


500

There are currently 7 titles the president has expanded into, name and describe 3.

Chief Executive- Leader of the government of the country. 

Commander in Chief- Leader of the military branches.

Chief Diplomat- Greet diplomats, lead efforts in foreign affairs.

Chief Legislator- Influence and push Congress on certain legislation.

Chief of State- Serve as national symbol on international stage.

Party Leader- Lead and influence political party.

Keeper of the Economy- Ensure there are jobs, price controls, etc.

500

The Cabinet position responsible for overseeing the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile in addition to energy policy.

Secretary of Energy

500

This executive department, established in 1979, oversees federal assistance to education and student loan programs.

The Department of Education

500

This agency investigates federal crimes and serves as the nation's primary domestic intelligence service.

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

500

Name one power that the president has and match it with a specific congressional check.

  • Power: Commander in Chief of the armed forces
  • Check: Only Congress can formally declare war; Congress controls military funding
  • Power: Can veto bills passed by Congress
  • Check: Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers
  • Power: Negotiates and signs treaties with foreign nations
  • Check: Senate must ratify treaties by a two-thirds majority vote
  • Power: Nominates federal judges, Cabinet members, and other senior officials
  • Check: Senate must confirm most major appointments by a simple majority vote
  • Power: Issues executive orders that carry the force of law
  • Check: Congress can pass legislation that overrides or defunds an executive order
  • Power: Proposes the federal budget each year
  • Check: Congress holds the "power of the purse" — only Congress can appropriate and authorize spending
  • Power: Can declare national emergencies and activate special executive powers
  • Check: Congress can terminate a national emergency declaration by passing a joint resolution
  • Power: Can pardon individuals for federal crimes
  • Check: No direct override — this is one of the few presidential powers with no congressional check
  • Power: Can make appointments without Senate confirmation when Congress is in recess
  • Check: Congress can prevent recess appointments by holding pro forma sessions to avoid being officially "in recess"
  • Power: N/A — this is the check itself
  • Check: The House can impeach the president for "high crimes and misdemeanors"; the Senate holds the trial and can remove the president from office by a two-thirds vote
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