AP gov unit 4 | Executive | Presidency

Question 1

12th Amendment

Answer 1

Requires separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president

Question 2

20th Amendment

Answer 2

Sets the terms of office for the president and vice president, and defines procedures for presidential succession and vacancies.

Question 3

22nd Amendment

Answer 3

Limits presidents to two terms in office or a maximum of 10 years if they served as president due to succession.

Question 4

25th Amendment

Answer 4

Provides procedures for presidential succession, vice presidential vacancy, and presidential disability.

Question 5

Appointment Power

Answer 5

The president’s authority to appoint individuals to key government positions, such as judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors (with Senate approval).

Question 6

Ambassadors

Answer 6

Official representatives of the U.S. to foreign countries, appointed by the president to handle diplomatic relations.

Question 7

Bargaining and Persuasion

Answer 7

The president’s ability to negotiate and influence other government officials, members of Congress, and the public to get policy goals achieved.

Question 8

Bully Pulpit

Answer 8

The president’s use of their position and visibility to promote policies and persuade the public and lawmakers.

Question 9

Bureaucracy

Answer 9

The complex system of agencies, departments, and employees that carry out the day-to-day functions of the federal government.

Question 10

Cabinet

Answer 10

A group of the president’s top advisors, including the heads of executive departments (e.g., State, Defense, Treasury).

Question 11

CEA (Council of Economic Advisors)

Answer 11

A group of experts who advise the president on economic policy, including budget, inflation, and unemployment.

Question 12

Coattails

Answer 12

When a popular president helps members of their party get elected to other offices in the same election.

Question 13

Commander in Chief

Answer 13

The president’s role as the supreme leader of the U.S. military forces, with authority to direct military operations.

Question 14

Communication technology

Answer 14

The use of media and technology (e.g., TV, social media) by the president to communicate directly with the public and influence opinion.

Question 15

Executive Agreements

Answer 15

International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate approval, often used in foreign policy.

Question 16

Executive Orders

Answer 16

Directives issued by the president to manage operations of the federal government, with the force of law without needing Congressional approval.

Question 17

Executive Privilege

Answer 17

The president’s right to withhold certain information from Congress, the courts, and the public to protect confidential executive branch communications.

Question 18

Federalist 70

Answer 18

An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a strong, energetic executive branch with a single president, ensuring accountability and action.

Question 19

Formal Powers

Answer 19

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, such as veto power, appointment power, and serving as Commander in Chief.

Question 20

Honeymoon Period

Answer 20

The early period of a president’s term, typically marked by high public approval and greater cooperation from Congress.

Question 21

Impeachment

Answer 21

The process by which the president can be removed from office for committing “high crimes and misdemeanors,” initiated by the House and tried in the Senate.

Question 22

Informal Powers

Answer 22

Powers not explicitly granted by the Constitution but used by the president to influence policy, such as the power to persuade or use executive orders.

Question 23

Mandate

Answer 23

Public support for a president’s policies, often claimed after a large electoral victory, lending credibility to their legislative agenda.

Question 24

NSC (National Security Council)

Answer 24

A group that advises the president on national security and foreign policy issues, including military and intelligence matters.

Question 25

OMB (Office of Management & Budget)

Answer 25

The office that helps the president prepare the federal budget and oversees its execution by federal agencies.

Question 26

Presidential Coattails

Answer 26

The effect of a popular president boosting the chances of their party’s candidates in other races during an election.

Question 27

Pardons

Answer 27

The president’s power to forgive individuals for federal crimes, thus removing their punishment.

Question 28

Pocket Veto

Answer 28

A type of veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill into law within 10 days while Congress is adjourned, effectively killing the bill.

Question 29

Recess Appointment

Answer 29

The president’s power to appoint individuals to positions when the Senate is not in session, bypassing Senate confirmation.

Question 30

State of the Union

Answer 30

A speech delivered by the president to Congress, typically annually, outlining the administration's legislative agenda and national priorities.

Question 31

Signing Statements

Answer 31

Official statements made by the president when signing a bill into law, often outlining their interpretation of the law or concerns about certain provisions.

Question 32

Treaties

Answer 32

Formal agreements between countries that require the approval of two-thirds of the Senate before they can be ratified.

Question 33

US v Nixon

Answer 33

A landmark Supreme Court case that limited executive privilege, ruling that it could not be used to withhold evidence in a criminal investigation.

Question 34

Veto

Answer 34

The president’s formal power to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law (Congress can override with a 2/3 vote).

Question 35

War Powers Act

Answer 35

A law that limits the president’s ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval, aiming to check presidential power in wartime.

Question 36

Watergate

Answer 36

A major political scandal involving President Nixon’s attempt to cover up a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, leading to his resignation.

Question 37

White House Staff

Answer 37

A group of trusted advisors and assistants who support the president, including the Chief of Staff, press secretary, and policy experts.