In this lively, accessible, and highly informative survey, readers come to understand the workings of American representative democracy. They learn about the Constitution, checks and balances, and how the executive branch of government is organized. The president and vice president’s powers are studied, as well as those of the cabinet and staff who offer help to the executive office. Readers discover the power of the veto, how policy is crafted, how the president carries out enumerated and implied powers that are mentioned in the Constitution, and what happens when a departing president hands over the office to the new president.