Executive Branch Test

--December 20 (even classes) and December 21 (odd classes)

 

To prepare for the test:

1.  Complete the Executive Branch Study Guide.  Use your notes to help you.  Ask your teacher BEFORE the day of the test if you have any questions.  Turn in this study guide the day of the test.

2.  Review the class notes (below), paying special attention to underlined information.  Also review the SOLs for this unit (below).

3.  Make sure that you know all of the information from the study guide.  Suggestion:  Ask a parent or friend to quiz you on this information.

 

Class Notes:

 

Notes:  Introduction to Executive Branch

Notes:  Presidential Duties and Powers

Notes:  Political Parties

 

Executive Branch/Political Parties SOLs:

 

The powers of the executive branch are defined in the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of Virginia.

--executes law of the land

--prepares annual budget for congressional action

--appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges

--administers federal bureaucracy

 

The executive branch at the state and national levels carries out the law.

 

Ways the executive branch influences policymaking

·        Proposing legislation in an annual speech to the legislature (State of the Commonwealth or State of the Union Address)

·        Appealing directly to the people

·        Approving or vetoing legislation

·        Appointing officials who carry out  the laws

 

Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory groups interpret and help with carrying out laws.

 

Legislative powers over

·        The executive branch

-       Overrides vetoes

-       Impeaches a President

Executive powers over

·        The legislative branch

-       Vetoes acts of Congress

-       Calls Congress into special session

·        The judicial branch

-       Appoints federal judges

Judicial powers over

·        The executive branch

            --Declares executive acts unconstitutional

 

Functions of political parties

·        Recruiting and nominating candidates

·        Educating the electorate about campaign issues

·        Helping candidates win elections

·        Monitoring actions of officeholders

 

Similarities between parties

·        Organize to win elections

·        Influence public policies

·        Reflect both liberal and conservative views

·        Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center

 

Differences between parties

·        Stated in a party's platform and reflected in campaigning

 

Third parties

·        Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue

Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)