Presidential Powers
This presidential authority includes appointing federal judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors, though many appointments require Senate confirmation.
What is the power of Appointments?
This election determines each political party’s nominee for president, with voters selecting delegates who will support that nominee at the party’s national convention.
What is the "primary election"?
This group, composed of the president's closest advisors, is responsible for helping to implement and enforce the president's policies and decisions.
What is the "Cabinet"?
This Cabinet department is responsible for enforcing federal laws and overseeing the U.S. legal system.
What is the "Department of Justice"?
This department aims to enhance and protect public health by overseeing programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
What is the "Department of Health and Human Services"?
This power enables the president to forgive individuals for federal crimes, effectively removing their punishment.
What is the "Pardon" power?
This event, held by each party, officially nominates their candidate for president and sets their platform, often concluding with a speech by the nominee.
What is the "Democratic/Republican National Convention"?
This individual is the president's main advisor on national security and foreign affairs, typically holding the title of a top-ranking Cabinet position.
Who is the "Secretary of State"?
This department works to protect the nation's borders, enforce immigration laws, and coordinate responses to natural disasters and national emergencies.
What is the "Department of Homeland Security"?
This department is responsible for managing the nation’s educational programs, ensuring access to federal student loans, and promoting educational excellence.
What is the "Department of Education"?
If Congress passes a bill, the president can use this power to reject it, sending it back to Congress for reconsideration.
What is the "Veto" power?
This group of individuals, chosen by each state, officially casts their votes for president after the general election.
What is the "Electoral College"?
This Cabinet member typically serves as the president's chief legal advisor and represents the federal government in legal matters, including lawsuits.
Who is the "Attorney General"?
This department oversees the nation’s military forces and develops defense policy
What is the "Department of Defense"?
This department is responsible for overseeing the nation's transportation infrastructure, including highways, railroads, and air travel, as well as setting transportation safety standards.
What is the "Department of Transportation"?
The president can call this group into federal service to respond to national emergencies or to maintain public order.
What is the "National Guard"?
A candidate must win at least this many electoral votes to secure the presidency.
What is "270 electoral votes"?
The number of main cabinet members that serve as the head of each department.
What is "15"?
This department is tasked with managing the nation’s finances, collecting taxes, and producing currency.
What is the "Department of the Treasury"?
This department is responsible for managing the nation's energy resources, regulating energy industries, and working on environmental sustainability.
What is the "Department of Energy"?
This power allows the president to call Congress into session outside of its regular meeting schedule, typically in times of emergency.
What is the power to "Call Congress into Special Session"?
This term refers to a situation where a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College.
What is "a split or disputed election"?
This term refers to the senior Cabinet member, who is often considered the most influential in setting policy within the executive branch.
What is the "Chief of Staff"?
This department supports the nation’s farmers, provides food assistance programs, and works to ensure a safe food supply for the U.S. population.
What is the "Department of Agriculture"?
This department helps ensure that the nation’s veterans receive medical care, benefits, and support after serving in the military.
What is the "Department of Veterans Affairs"?