FAQ US Executive Branch

The President is elected to a four-year term, and is limited to two terms (which need
not be consecutive) by the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution. Election of the President
occurs via the Electoral College, with provisions for selection by the House of Representatives should
no candidate receive a majority of the Electoral College vote.
The next Election occurs in Nov. 2028

Must be a US citizen, born in the United States

Must be at least 35 years of age

Must have lived in the US for at least 14 years.

Serves as Head of State of the US.

Signs or vetoes legislation passed by Congress, a 2/3 majority in both houses of Congress can override a Presidential veto.

Is responsible for execution and enforcement of laws passed by Congress.

Supervises federal cabinet departments and agencies that execute policies authorized by Congress

Appoints cabinet secretaries, with the advice and consent of the Senate, as well as leaders of numerous Independent federal commissions.

Appoints Ambassadors, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Appoints Justices of the US Supreme Court, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Acts as Commander-in-Chief of the US armed forces.

The Cabinet’s role is to advise the President on any subject he or she may require relating to the duties of each member’s respective office.

The cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of the 15 executive departments.

Cabinet members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

The members of the Cabinet run the major federal agencies

Play an important role in the Presidential line of succession — after the Vice President, Speaker of the House, and Senate President pro tempore, the line of succession continues with the Cabinet offices in the order in which the departments were created.

All the members of the Cabinet take the title Secretary, excepting the head of the Justice Department, who is the Attorney General.

Executive Branch Offices Including Cabinet Agencies Each Department is listed with information about what that department oversees, responsibilities and regulatory capabilities.

Current Cabinet Officers & Departments — List of all Cabinet members and their position in order of succession. (2024, under the Biden Administration)

The Executive Office of the President (EOP) is not the same as the Cabinet. It was created in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The EOP serves the President’s administration by being responsible responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the President’s message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad.

Senate confirmation is required for some advisers, such as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, most are appointed with full Presidential discretion. The individual offices that these advisors oversee have grown in size and number since the EOP was created. Some were formed by Congress, others as the President has needed them — they are constantly shifting as each President identifies his or her needs and priorities. 

Current Executive Office of the President’s Councils and Offices with links to details about each. (1924, Biden Administration)