Question

which of the following is not a responsibility of the executive branch of the national government?

appointing federal judges

preparing the annual budget

declaring war

carrying out (enforcing) the laws

Explanation:

To determine which is not an executive branch responsibility, we analyze each option:

• Appointing federal judges: The executive (e.g., the President) appoints federal judges, so this is an executive responsibility.
• Preparing the annual budget: The executive branch (e.g., the Office of Management and Budget) prepares the annual budget, so this is an executive responsibility.
• Declaring war: In the U.S. system, Congress (legislative branch) has the power to declare war, not the executive branch.
• Carrying out (enforcing) the laws: The executive branch (e.g., federal agencies) is responsible for enforcing laws, so this is an executive responsibility.

Answer:

C. Declaring war