UNBIASED Politics Unbiased University: Everything You Need to Know About the Executive Branch of the United States Government
Mar 26, 2026
A concise tour of the executive branch and how it enforces federal law. Short breakdowns of presidential powers, the vice presidency, the Cabinet, agencies, and the Executive Office. Explanations of executive orders, agency rulemaking, and checks from Congress and the courts. Historical growth of presidential power and concrete ways the executive affects daily life.
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Differentiate Executive Orders From Proclamations
- Distinguish executive orders from proclamations when evaluating presidential actions.
- Berman notes orders direct federal employees while proclamations are announcements that can be ceremonial or legally binding under specific statutory authority.
Vice President Tie Breaking Role
- The vice president's constitutional duties are presiding over the Senate and succeeding the president, with the key power to cast tie-breaking votes.
- Jordan Berman notes the role is often ceremonial but increasingly consequential in 50-50 Senates.
Agency Rulemaking And Judicial Pushback
- Federal agencies issue rules and regulations that carry the force of law by interpreting statutes Congress passed.
- Berman uses the FTC non-compete rule and its Texas court invalidation to show judicial and congressional checks, and discusses Chevron's recent overturning.