AP gov unit 4 | Executive | Presidency Flashcards
12th Amendment
Requires separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president
20th Amendment
Sets the terms of office for the president and vice president, and defines procedures for presidential succession and vacancies.
22nd Amendment
Limits presidents to two terms in office or a maximum of 10 years if they served as president due to succession.
25th Amendment
Provides procedures for presidential succession, vice presidential vacancy, and presidential disability.
Appointment Power
The president’s authority to appoint individuals to key government positions, such as judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors (with Senate approval).
Ambassadors
Official representatives of the U.S. to foreign countries, appointed by the president to handle diplomatic relations.
Bargaining and Persuasion
The president’s ability to negotiate and influence other government officials, members of Congress, and the public to get policy goals achieved.
Bully Pulpit
The president’s use of their position and visibility to promote policies and persuade the public and lawmakers.
Bureaucracy
The complex system of agencies, departments, and employees that carry out the day-to-day functions of the federal government.
Cabinet
A group of the president’s top advisors, including the heads of executive departments (e.g., State, Defense, Treasury).
CEA (Council of Economic Advisors)
A group of experts who advise the president on economic policy, including budget, inflation, and unemployment.
Coattails
When a popular president helps members of their party get elected to other offices in the same election.
Commander in Chief
The president’s role as the supreme leader of the U.S. military forces, with authority to direct military operations.
Communication technology
The use of media and technology (e.g., TV, social media) by the president to communicate directly with the public and influence opinion.
Executive Agreements
International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate approval, often used in foreign policy.
Executive Orders
Directives issued by the president to manage operations of the federal government, with the force of law without needing Congressional approval.
Executive Privilege
The president’s right to withhold certain information from Congress, the courts, and the public to protect confidential executive branch communications.
Federalist 70
An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a strong, energetic executive branch with a single president, ensuring accountability and action.
Formal Powers
Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, such as veto power, appointment power, and serving as Commander in Chief.
Honeymoon Period
The early period of a president’s term, typically marked by high public approval and greater cooperation from Congress.
Impeachment
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.
Informal Powers
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.
Mandate
Public support for a president’s policies, often claimed after a large electoral victory, lending credibility to their legislative agenda.
NSC (National Security Council)
A group that advises the president on national security and foreign policy issues, including military and intelligence matters.
OMB (Office of Management & Budget)
The office that helps the president prepare the federal budget and oversees its execution by federal agencies.
Presidential Coattails
The effect of a popular president boosting the chances of their party’s candidates in other races during an election.
Pardons
The president’s power to forgive individuals for federal crimes, thus removing their punishment.
Pocket Veto
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.
Recess Appointment
The president’s power to appoint individuals to positions when the Senate is not in session, bypassing Senate confirmation.
State of the Union
A speech delivered by the president to Congress, typically annually, outlining the administration’s legislative agenda and national priorities.
Signing Statements
Official statements made by the president when signing a bill into law, often outlining their interpretation of the law or concerns about certain provisions.
Treaties
Formal agreements between countries that require the approval of two-thirds of the Senate before they can be ratified.
US v Nixon
A landmark Supreme Court case that limited executive privilege, ruling that it could not be used to withhold evidence in a criminal investigation.
Veto
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).
War Powers Act
A law that limits the president’s ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval, aiming to check presidential power in wartime.
Watergate
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.
White House Staff
A group of trusted advisors and assistants who support the president, including the Chief of Staff, press secretary, and policy experts.
