In this accessible and highly informative guide to government, readers come to understand the workings of American representative democracy. The text covers the U.S. Constitution, how the executive branch of government is organized, and the checks and balances between branches of government. Other concepts include the powers of the president and vice president, as well as those of the cabinet and staff who support 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.