Exam 10: Executives

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In a presidential system, the executive branch is not just composed of the president alone. Besides the president, the executive typically includes the following:

1. Vice President: The vice president is often the second-highest executive officer, who may have various duties as assigned by the president and takes over the presidency in case of the president's death, resignation, or incapacitation.

2. Cabinet Members: The president appoints cabinet members, who are usually the heads of the executive departments. They are responsible for advising the president on any subject related to the duties of their respective offices.

3. Executive Departments: These are major administrative units that handle specific areas of national interest such as defense, education, homeland security, and foreign affairs. Each department is headed by a secretary (or equivalent title), who sits on the cabinet.

4. Independent Agencies: These agencies are created by Congress to address concerns that go beyond the scope of ordinary legislation. They are responsible for keeping the government and economy running smoothly. Examples include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

5. Government Corporations: These are businesses owned by the government that operate for public purposes. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an example of a government corporation.

6. Executive Office of the President (EOP): This is a group of agencies at the center of the executive branch of the United States federal government. The EOP supports the work of the president and includes entities such as the White House Office, the National Security Council, and the Office of Management and Budget.

7. Military: The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, which include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

8. Presidential Advisors and Staff: These individuals work directly with the president, providing counsel, and helping to implement policy decisions and manage the day-to-day operations of the executive office.

The exact structure and titles of these components can vary from country to country, but these are the typical elements that make up the executive branch in a presidential system.

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Chief executives often draw upon different types of powers to achieve their political goals. These powers can include formal powers, which are outlined in the constitution or laws, and partisan powers, which are based on their political party affiliation and support.

One example of a formal power is the power of appointment. A chief executive, such as a president or governor, can appoint individuals to key positions within the government, such as cabinet members, judges, and agency heads. By strategically appointing individuals who share their political goals and ideologies, the chief executive can influence policy decisions and advance their agenda. For example, a president may appoint a Supreme Court justice who aligns with their views on issues such as abortion or gun control, thereby shaping the direction of the court and impacting future rulings.

Partisan powers also play a significant role in a chief executive's ability to achieve their political goals. For example, a president may use their party's control of Congress to push through legislation that aligns with their agenda. By leveraging their party's majority in the legislative branch, the president can pass laws, confirm appointments, and allocate funding in line with their priorities. Additionally, the president can use their party's support to rally public opinion and build coalitions to advance their policy objectives.

In conclusion, chief executives utilize a combination of formal powers and partisan powers to achieve their political goals. By strategically leveraging their authority and political alliances, they can shape policy, influence decision-making, and advance their agenda.