The President’s Powers
- Veto Power: The President can veto bills passed by Congress, blocking their passage into law. To override the veto, Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
- Executive Orders: The President can issue orders to manage federal agencies and direct government operations. These do not require Congressional approval.
- Appointments: The President can appoint judges, ambassadors, and other officials, but Senate confirmation is necessary for judicial and high-level appointments.
- Commander-in-Chief: The President controls the military and directs defense policy but cannot declare war without Congressional approval.
Cabinet Members
The U.S. Cabinet consists of 15 primary members, each heading a different federal department. These include:
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Defense
- Attorney General
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Secretary of Homeland Security
Additionally, the Vice President is often considered part of the Cabinet, but they do not lead a department. The President may also appoint other officials, like the U.S. Trade Representative, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who may be considered Cabinet-level positions, though not heading a department.