
The power of the executive branch is vested in the President, who also serves as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. The President appoints the Cabinet and oversees the various agencies and departments of the federal government.
With major oil shortages and the Iran hostage crisis in the late 70s, Carter had a hard time staying popular. However, with the Camp David Accord, the Panama Canal Treaties and the SALT talks, Carter showed a professionalism in international affairs.

The oldest political party in the United States, the Democrats have 72 million members, 42.6% of the electorate. Today, the Democrats advocate a smart government that champions socially progressive and centrist economic policies.