The Fundamentals of the Executive Branch

The Executive Branch in the United States is often associated with the President, but there is more to the Executive Branch than meets the eye. The Executive Branch is comprised of different jobs and roles. These roles include the President, Vice President, Cabinet, and the Executive Office of the President. The roles that make up the Executive Branch allow for the branch to function smoothly and work with the other two branches.

The President and the Executive Office of the President are two different things. The president is the person we elect every four years to act like the face of the United States. The EOP was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to act as a support for the president. According to the White House website, “the EOP has responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the President’s message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad” (Whitehouse.gov). This department is overseen by the White House Chief of Staff, and it is home to many of the President’s closest advisers. The founders of the United States Constitution believed in the idea of separation of powers but also the ability of branches to check each other to create balance and prevent the uprise of one faction. Because of this idea of checks and balances, Senate confirmations are required for some of the president’s advisors while others are appointed by the President. Looking at the constitution as an outline for the jobs of the Executive Branch is a great place to start in order to understand the fundamentals behind the Executive Branch.

The Executive Branch through the Constitution

The Constitution provides an outline for the powers given to each of the branches. While the powers have changed throughout time, there are specific powers given to the Executive Branch that is stated in the Constitution. These powers include functioning as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, executing the spending authorized by Congress, the Presentment Clause, vetoing bills, declaring states of emergency, signing treaties, making executive agreements, etc. All these powers are given to the Executive Branch through the Constitution but there are some powers that were not enumerated in the Constitution of 1787 or the Bill of Rights of 1791. In the Constitution, there is no mention of executive privilege, executive orders, Presidential Prerogative, Presidential Findings, and rulemaking authority for the executive branch. Knowing how the constitution plays a role in determining the jobs of each branch, especially the Executive Branch, can create a deeper understanding on how the United States government’s frameworks come together to make legislation possible.

The main power that is given to the President and the executive branch is the ability to sign executive orders. Under the Biden Administration, President Joe Biden signed 28 executive orders in his first two weeks in office (thepolicycircle.org). The controversy behind executive orders and other presidential roles stems from the lack of powers that the framers of the Constitution gave to the executive power hence why we see throughout history different amendments and laws that limit these powers like a two-term limit. While the Constitution gives an outline for the different powers dedicated to each branch, it does not detail all the aspects and processes that have changed as the United State evolves both politically and societally.

The Cabinet and Its Departments

The Cabinet is vital for the functions and roles of the executive branch because “the members serve as advisors to the president” (USA.gov). The work that is done in the executive branch is done through several federal institutions like the executive departments and smaller organizations that focus on specific tasks. There are 15 agencies in the executive departments and the heads make up the members of the cabinet. These departments include Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, State, Interior, Treasury, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. In addition, the cabinet is also made up of the White House Chief of Staff, Director of National Intelligence, US Trade Representative, Attorney General, and many more (whitehouse.gov). While the executive branch is often thought to only be the President and Vice President, there are various jobs that must be done in order for the branch to execute its role successfully. Aside from also working with the other branches, the President has a team to guide them through different executive decisions, problem-solving, and providing international relationships with other countries.

The Idea of Leadership through the Executive Branch

As children, one of our first examples of a leader comes from the president whether you are in the United States or in a different country. The leader of a country is an example of leadership and while being president does not happen overnight, there are many ways that you have as a teenager, young adult, and even later in life can hold positions of leadership in your community.

Community-based Involvement: Begin by looking around in your community through volunteer opportunities where you can learn leadership skills and use them in your day-to-day life.

Work-based Leadership: Depending on your career choice, there are many ways in which you can set yourself apart and be a leader in a work environment. Begin by showing initiative like being on time, prepared, and organized. Work with your co-workers to problem-solve different issues and use your leadership skills to guide.

Government-based Leadership: Whether you are in high school or college, there are many opportunities around the world that allow students to get hands-on experience in a governmental setting. If politics is something you are interested in, look into applying for student government or governmental institutions that will provide a variety of experiences where you can learn about the government.

Academic-based Leadership: Most universities offer leadership classes that can educate you about different forms of leadership and teach you the necessary skills that leaders must have. If you are not in university or your school does not provide leadership classes, research ways in which you can learn about leadership by reading books like “We Are The Leaders We’ve Been Waiting For” by Julie E. Owen or finding articles that speak on leadership.

Works Cited

“The Executive Branch.” The White House, The United States Government, 12 July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-executive-branch/.

U.S. Constitution | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of ... https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/.

“Branches of the U.S. Government.” USAGov, https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government#:~:text=The%20executive%20branch%20carries%20out,president%20through%20free%2C%20confidential%20ballots.

“The Cabinet.” The White House, The United States Government, 12 July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet/.

“The Executive Branch.” The Policy Circle, 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.thepolicycircle.org/brief/the-executive-branch/.