Creating the Presidency (05:08)

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The Founding Fathers worked on creating a constitutional democratic republic. They feared if any person or branch had too much power it would be too similar to a monarchy. In modern times, the executive branch has more power than the Founding Fathers anticipated.

Executive Office of the President (07:44)

The office was created to manage the growing Executive Branch, which includes numerous federal agencies and offices. The White House Office includes the closest advisers and employees of the president.

State of the Union (01:30)

The Constitution states that the president must inform residents about the state of the union; it has become an annual address. Presidents use the speech to inform the public about their agenda and what they would like to accomplish in the upcoming year.

President's Cabinet (06:00)

A newly elected president appoints new heads to the 14 cabinet departments. The size and importance of the Cabinet has changed overtime. The secretary of state is the highest ranked Cabinet member.

Cabinet Departments (04:59)

The Secretary of Defense runs the Defense Department and is a close advisor to the president. Other departments handle numerous day-to-day functions of the federal government, like managing prisons and providing food stamps.

Independent Agencies and Commissions (05:13)

The president appoints leaders that are considered a part of the executive branch. The agencies include the CIA and the Federal Trade Commission. The president can create new agencies using executive orders.

Presidential Powers (05:52)

An important presidential power is creating foreign policy. Veto power allows the president to reject a bill and return it to Congress. The president has law enforcement powers that are used as needed.

Presidential Emergency Powers (05:09)

The president has emergency powers, which include deploying troops in domestic situations. Presidential powers are greater during wartime.

Credits: The Executive Branch of Government (02:02)

Credits: The Executive Branch of Government