Executive Branch Essentials
What is the name of the group of people who officially cast votes to elect the president after the general election?
The Electoral College
What is the minimum age to become President of the United States?
35 years old.
What is the primary responsibility of the executive branch?
To enforce laws.
What presidential power allows the executive branch to reject a bill passed by Congress?
The veto.
What is foreign policy?
A government's goals, decisions, and actions in its relationships with other countries.
How many total electoral votes are available in a presidential election, and how many are needed to win?
538 total electoral votes; 270 are needed to win.
What are the three constitutional qualifications for becoming president?
At least 35 years old, a natural-born U.S. citizen, and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years.
Which presidential role involves representing the country at ceremonies and national events?
Chief of State (Head of State).
Which chamber of Congress has the power to impeach a president?
The House of Representatives.
What is the difference between isolationism and internationalism?
Isolationism emphasizes avoiding foreign entanglements, while internationalism supports active engagement with other countries.
Which constitutional amendment explains what happens if the president dies, resigns, or becomes unable to perform their duties?
The 25th Amendment.
What does the 22nd Amendment limit?
The number of times a president can be elected, generally to two.
Which presidential role allows the president to direct the armed forces?
Commander-in-Chief.
What vote is required in the Senate to convict and remove an impeached president?
A two-thirds vote of senators present.
Who nominates Cabinet secretaries, and who confirms them?
The president nominates them, and the Senate confirms them.
What is the main purpose of federal regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and FTC?
To create and enforce regulations within their legal authority to protect the public and ensure laws are followed.
What are the main stages of the presidential election process?
Primaries and caucuses, national conventions, campaigning, the general election, and the Electoral College vote.
What is an executive order?
A presidential directive used to manage executive branch operations or carry out existing legal authority.
What is the primary purpose of the president's Cabinet?
To advise the president on policy and help lead executive departments.
Which branch negotiates treaties, and which part of government approves them?
The president negotiates treaties, and the Senate approves them by a two-thirds vote of senators present.
A person was born in another country, became a naturalized U.S. citizen, has lived in the United States for 30 years, and is 50 years old. Can this person become president? Explain why or why not.
No. Although the person meets the age and residency requirements, the Constitution requires presidents to be natural-born U.S. citizens. A naturalized citizen does not meet that requirement.
What happens if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
The House of Representatives chooses the president from the top three electoral-vote recipients.
A president proposes a new bill, vetoes another bill, and campaigns for members of their political party. Which TWO presidential roles are demonstrated?
Chief Legislator and Party Leader.
Name TWO ways Congress can check presidential power in foreign policy or military affairs.
Any two: declaring war, controlling military funding, overseeing military actions, approving treaties through the Senate, or confirming ambassadors.
A foreign country threatens an American ally. Name THREE foreign policy tools the United States could use.
Any three: military force, economic sanctions, embargoes, tariffs, foreign aid, alliances, or diplomacy.