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The chief executive of
the United States is the president, who together with the vice-president
is elected to a four year term. As a result of a 1951 constitutional
amendment, a president may be elected to only two terms. The
president's powers are formidable but not unlimited. As the
chief formulator of national policy, the president proposes legislation
to Congress and may veto any bill passed by Congress. The president
is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The executive branch of the Government is responsible for enforcing
the laws of the land. The Vice President, department heads (Cabinet
members), and heads of independent agencies assist in this capacity.
Unlike the powers of the President, their responsibilities are not
defined in the Constitution but each has special powers and functions.
As the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama presides
over the executive branch, which includes 15 executive departments,
the Executive Office of the President and numerous other independent
agencies. The day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal
law is in the hands of the various executive departments, created
by Congress to deal with specific areas of national and international
affairs. The heads of the departments, chosen by the President
and approved by the Senate, form a council of advisers known as the
President's Cabinet.
See also:
About the USA > History of the United States
About the USA > Holidays >
Presidents Day |