- Identify and explain the organization of the Executive
The executive branch consists of the president (leader of the executive branch), who is then accompanied by the vice president. Also consists of other cabinet members, agencies, and executive departments.
2. Identify and provide an example of the powers of the Executive, both formal and informal.
The president has many specific powers listed in the constitution. Some formal and some informal. The Informal powers of the president are chief of state, party leader, and chief citizen. The formal powers are chief executive, commander in chief, foreign policy leader, chief administrator, power of appointment and chief agenda setter.
3. Identify and explain how Executive shares powers with the Congress, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
The executive shares powers with congress, judiciary and bureaucracy in several ways. For example, the president can be influenced by the bureaucracy. The judicial branch reviews the choices of the president and congress can override the presidents veto.
4. Discuss the implications of Executive sharing powers with each of the following: Congress, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
The executive also has shared powers with congress, judiciary and bureaucracy so one branch doesn't become too powerful. This is also know as checks and balances which allows one branch to restrict another if need be. The president and congress share the power of approving legislation.
5. Discuss the functions that Executive performs.
The Vice President presides over the senate casting tie breaking votes if necessary. The Vice President also helps determine presidential disability under the twenty-fifth amendment and takes over presidency if necessary. The President takes on responsibilities such as commander in chief and head of state. Overall, the executive powers are to enforce laws, treaties, and court decisions. Also issue executive orders to carry out policies, appoint or remove officials, assumes emergency powers, presides over the cabinet and executive branch.
6. Identify how the power of the Executive has/may evolve gradually.
The power of the executive has continued to evolve gradually since the government was established. Overtime, executive powers and privileges have been granted to the presidency to allow a national political leader to guide the way. Powers will continue to increase as the president is forced to take control of the divided government.
7. Identify how the power of the Executive has/may changes dramatically as a result of crisis.
The power of the executive is increasingly altered as a result of a crisis. A well known example was when President Hoover had to dramatically make changes to the government in times of a huge economic crisis. He established the new deal in order to get the United States of America back on track and out of the depression. The New Deal bills supported direct federal aid, tightened government control over many industries, and eschewed volunteerism in favor of deficit spending, all in the hopes of jump starting both consumer confidence and the economy.
8. Identify and discuss the ties between the Executive and political parties.
When linking the executive and political parties, the executive serves as the leader. The executive helps members of his parties get elected and appointed to office because his party leaders will support his policies in their own campaign. The president's linkage with his political parties allows them to campaign if they are supporting his party.
9. Identify and discuss the ties between the Executive and interest groups.
The ties between the executive and interest groups involve power and support. They both rely on each other. The executive relies on interest groups for influential support, while interest groups felt on the executive for their influential support.
10. Identify and discuss the ties between the Executive and media
The executive also relies heavily on the media for influential support. The president needs the media in order to promote himself and connect/inform the people. The media also relies on the president because the scoop of what is occurring gives the media something to cover and discuss. The president is a main source of information.
11. Identify and discuss the ties between the Executive and state and local governments
The president must work with state and local governments in order to find out what the people need and fulfill their needs. Their relationship is mutual because all sizes of governments must uphold its own powers and functions. The executive branch is above the state and local governments and helps guide the smaller governments in their duties.