AP Gov presidency vocab terms Flashcards
executive branch
The branch of government charged with putting the nation’s laws into effect.
formal or enumerated powers
Powers expressly granted in the Constitution.
informal powers
powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties
treaty
an agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president and requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate to ratify.
state of the the union address
The annual speech from the president to Congress updating that branch on the state of national affairs.
veto and what is it’s significance
Formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress
-the president’s check on the legislative branch
how can a veto be overturned?
Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is a pocket veto?
An informal veto caused when the president chooses not to sign a bill within ten days, during a time when Congress has adjourned at the end of a session. If congress adjourns before the bill is signed, it does not pass!
What is a presidential pardon and what is its significance?
Presidential authority to release individuals convicted of a crime from legal consequences and set aside punishment for a crime.
- it is the president’s check on the judicial branch and the legislative branch, because congress set the standards for that person to be incarcerated.
What is executive privilege and what is it an example of?
A right claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts confidential from outside scrutiny, especially that of Congress
- it is an example of an informal power of the executive branch
What is an executive agreement and what is it an example of?
an agreement between a president and another nation that does not have the same durability in the American system as a treaty but does not require Senate ratification.
- an implied power of the president
executive order
Policy directives issued by presidents that do not require congressional approval.
what was the war powers resolution and what is its significance?
law passed over President Nixon’s veto that restricts the power of the president to maintain troops in combat for more than sixty days without congressional authorization.
Checks and Balances: It reinforces the constitutional principle that Congress has the power to declare war, not the President.
Presidential Power: It attempts to limit the President’s ability to engage in prolonged military actions without legislative oversight.
what is impeachment and what is its significance
he process of removing a president from office, with articles of impeachment issued by a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the Senate, with a two-thirds vote necessary to convict and remove.
impeachment is an example of congress’ check on the legislative branch
What are the steps of impeachment?
-indictment by the House (majority)
Conviction by the Senate (2/3 vote)
Presided over by Chief Justice of the United States
