How the Executive Branch Works


Civics The Federal Government How the Executive Branch Works
Students learn that the president is the head of the executive branch and he selects a group of people to make the Executive Office of the President (EOP) and the Cabinet. They examine how the president nominates these advisors to help him make challenging decisions for the United States. Next they read about the different jobs and duties in the EOP and the Cabinet. Then, they explain why the Department of Homeland Security was added in 2003. Finally, they consider what criteria the president should use in assembling the EOP and Cabinet.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for How the Executive Branch Works:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn that the president is the head of the executive branch and he selects a group of people to make the Executive Office of the President (EOP) and the Cabinet. They examine how the president nominates these advisors to help him make challenging decisions for the United States. Next they read about the different jobs and duties in the EOP and the Cabinet. Then, they explain why the Department of Homeland Security was added in 2003. Finally, they consider what criteria the president should use in assembling the EOP and Cabinet.

In this experience, the personal pronoun for the president is varied by scene between the masculine and feminine. If necessary for your students, explain that although there has never been a female president, the Constitution allows it.

Objectives

  • Identify the offices that make up the Executive Office of the President.
  • Describe the role the president’s Cabinet plays in the government.


The U.S. Constitution set up three branches of federal government—legislative, executive, and judicial. In this experience you are going to learn about the executive branch, which is responsible for implementing the laws passed by Congress.

Objectives

  • Identify the offices that make up the Executive Office of the President.
  • Describe the role the president’s Cabinet plays in the government.


When you have to make a hard decision, whom do you ask for help? You do not need to give names, you can give description, such as doctor. To list more than one “advisor,” separate them with a comma, like this: Thomas Jefferson, Harry Truman

Post your answer

Discuss how the students choose the particular people they go to for help.


picture of official seal with shield and crest

Seal of the Executive Office of the President of the United States


The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch, but he cannot do all the work himself. He selects a group of people, called advisors and aides, to help him make important decisions for the well being of citizens in the United States and around the world. This group of advisors makes up the Executive Office of the President. The people are specialists in certain areas. For example, the president may choose a former army general to be the Secretary of Defense.

In this experience you will learn about the people who help the president and how they do it.


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