Executive+Branch

media type="youtube" key="fPBi_rNhh30" height="315" width="420"This is an overview of the executive branch.Presidential Powers
 * **Chief Executive:** In this role the President is acting as the administrative head of the government . These duties include meeting with the cabinet, signing bills, issuing executive orders and appointing heads of departments and other government officials.
 * **Chief Diplomat:** In this role the President is negotiating on behalf of the United States with foreign governments. The President can appoint ambassadors, make treaties, and support or oppose the actions of other nations.
 * **Chief of State:** The President is the ceremonial head of the United States, speaking to the nation on topics of interest, meeting with important officials, and welcoming Heads of State from other countries.
 * **Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces:** The President is the civilian head of the military and can order troops into battle or send them overseas.
 * **Chief Legislator:** The President recommends legislation to Congress. The President can also threaten to veto bills s/he opposes.
 * **Head of the Party:** The President can reward those who are loyal to the political party with jobs and support other candidates for public office.Presidential Powers

This website has good information on the evolution of the President. http://www.ushistory.org/gov/7a.asp Must Know/Understand/Give Details regarding the Presidency
 * * Constitutional Powers
 * War Powers Relolution
 * Evolution of Presidential Power
 * Veto history
 * Pocket Veto
 * Line-Item Veto
 * Coattails
 * Powerful First Ladies || * Divided Govt
 * 22nd Amendment
 * Impeachment
 * 25th Amendment
 * Executive Order
 * Cabinet
 * White House Staff
 * Approval ratings || * Executive office
 * OMB
 * CEA
 * NSC
 * Electoral mandate
 * Roles
 * Executive privilege ||
 * The above comic explains executive privilege by showing a fromer president using the privilege to disclose information from congress. ||


 * media type="youtube" key="KWjpHhF06zI" width="425" height="350" || Give this video a chance. Compares how George W Bush expanded the president's power in a different way than President Obama. Also discusses mandate and agenda. ||

Appointment Controversy Information Lengthy-Both perspectives presented
 * media type="youtube" key="It3WJZfnh9w" width="425" height="350" || Where the Controversy Began.

Identify the appointments that were made.

What are the best arguments for both perspectives. ||

What is pro forma session? A federal court recently (Jan. 2013) ruled on this issue. Source: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/07/an-abuse-of-power-president-obamas-recess-appointments || [|This article further explains the details of the controversy brewing in Congress.] http://www.heritage.org/ includes the group that funded the video
 * media type="youtube" key="_t_I8kmS8RA" height="283" width="504" || media type="custom" key="12552018"Who sponsored this story?

The Heritage Foundation funded this video. This group is an "American conservative think tank". ( []) They have been influencing policy makers since their formation in 1973. " The mission of the Heritage Foundation is 'to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.'" ( []) media type="youtube" key="JCG1UT5J5lg" height="315" width="560" So what is the "rest" of the story? Click here for a recent update.



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[] this link provides information from the whitehouse.gov about the executive branch and various offices; very informative.


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 * This link takes you to a page that shows all the organizations in the departments of the executive branch. **