ap gov: unit 2 - presidency Flashcards
Congress should be ____ and presidency should be ___.
slow, fast
How many electoral votes are needed in order to win?
270
Chief Legislative
(write down)
Powers:
- propose legislation
- VETO legislation
Checks:
- congress can override with 2/3 majority in both houses
- not pass suggested legislation
signing statement
written message issued by the president that states some of the objectivity in some provisions of the bill
approval ratings
a poll on how much the public approves the president
Chief Executive
(write down)
Powers:
- enforce laws
- executive order***
- justify impoundment
Checks:
- power of the purse (congress)
- Senate can reject appointments and treaties
- Supreme court can strike down executive orders through judicial review
Commander in Chief*
(write down)
Powers:
- head of armed forces
Checks:
- Congress can provide or cut funding
- Congress declares war
- War Powers Resolution
War Powers Resolution*
President has to brief Congress within 24 hrs/ 20 days to brief military…etc…
Chief Diplomat*
(write down)
Powers:
- sets foreign policy
- appoints/receives ambassadors
- negotiates treaties and executive agreements
- give recognition to foreign governments
Checks:
- Congress appropriates funds for foreign affairs
- Senate can reject ambassadors and treaties
- power of the purse (unfunding)
Chief of State
does ceremonial stuff (like throwing the first ball of the baseball season)
Chief Jurist
(write down)
Powers:
- appoint federal judges
- issue pardons/legal forgiveness
Checks:
- Senate can reject judicial appointment
- Senate can place “holds” on appointments
- Senators can filibuster nominations
cabinets*
each headed by a secretary, don’t have a ton of influence, expertise, divided loyalties, often have conflicting feelings with president
Inner cabinets*
State, Treasury, Defense, Justice
Federal Appointments*
depend heavily on staff recommendations, used to get more votes and look good optically
White House Staff*
DO NOT need Senate confirmation, people who know the president personally
Chief of Staff*
closest friend of president (likely), MOST influential position!!
bully pulpit*
the power to go to public to command the MEDIA, to gain popular support for his agenda in order to persuade Congress
inherent powers
powers president can assume necessary but are NOT listed in the Constitution
Executive agreements*
similar to treaties but DOESN’T require Senate approval
Can the president fire cabinet members?
Yes
Baker v. Carr
banned malapportionment, “one person, one vote”, principle of equal representation
Shaw v. Reno
banned racial gerrymandering, violation of equal protection clause
Formal powers*
veto, pocket veto, commander-in-chief
Informal powers*
executive agreements, bargaining, persuasion, signing statements, executive orders
State of the Union
Nationally televised speech delivered to Congress, in attempt to gain support
Things that REQUIRE nomination/Senate confirmation
federal judges, cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, heads of executive agencies
Things that DON’T need confirmation
White House Office/Staff, Chief of Staff, press secretary, advisors
Judicial nominations are a president’s longest ____.
lasting influence
Executive agencies
perform PUBLIC services
Iron triangles
committees in the House and Senate, federal departments and agencies, and interest groups all work together to develop and conserve their own power, and expand their political influence
Power of purse
CONGRESS can alter budgets depending on whether they are pleased or not with the certain activities
Marbury v. Madison
established judicial review, executive actions, power of court, and state laws
The president
enforces laws
Congress’s 2 main checks
power of purse and war powers resolution
Federalist 70
Hamilton; executive branch, ONE president/executive, ENERGY, quick, unity and responsibility
Communication Technologies
bully pulpit, state of the union, radio, social media*, t.v.
Senate uses ____
filibuster
