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Executive Branch of the US - Coggle Diagram
Executive Branch of the US
Structure & Size
Largest branch of government
2.1 million civilian workers
1.4 million military personnel
Components
15 executive departments
~90 agencies
Armed forces
Government corporations
Controlled by legislation
Congress shapes executive structure
Civil Service
Competitive exams
Civil Service Act
Limits presidential control
Most federal workers hired independently
Appointments
Cabinet secretaries
Ambassadors
Require Senate confirmation
Small direct control
~2,000 senior EOP positions
Presidential Powers & Limits
Strong but limited presidency
Requirements
Natural-born citizen
Age 35+
14 years residency
Independent election
Not dependent on Congress
No vote of no confidence
Reality
Divided government common
President must negotiate with Congress
Executive Office of the President
Supports presidential decision-making
Key bodies
Council of Economic Advisers
National Security Council
Office of Management and Budget
CIA
White House Staff
Chief of Staff
Press Secretary
Policy advisers
EOP influences varies
Depends on president's leadership style
Cabinet
Less central in modern presidencies
Domestic Policy Role
Chief lawmaker influence
Tools
Policy proposals
State of the Union address
Special sessions of Congress
Legislative expansion over time
Expansion of power
Budget and Accounting Act (1921)
New Deal era
Coordinated policy agendas
Modern presidency more legislative
Legislative tools
Veto power
Congress override (2/3 majority)
Signing statements
Interpret/limit laws
Line-item veto
Existed briefly in 1990s
Foreign & Military Policy
Commander-in-chief
Congress declares war
War Powers Act (1973)
Limits unilateral action
But presidents often bypass it
Modern reality (Post WWII)
Frequent undeclared conflicts
Strong executive military authority
Diplomacy
Treaties (Senate approval required)
Executive agreements
No Senate approval needed
Agencies support diplomacy
State Department
Defense Department
CIA
National Security Council