Executive Branch Flashcards
What is a parliamentary government?
Chief of executive is leader of majority party in the legislature.
What is a presidential ticket?
Joint listing of president and vice president candidates on same ballot.
What is the vesting clause?
President’s authority to control most executive functions.
What is a treaty?
Formal agreement between U.S. and one or more nations that must be approved by 2/3 vote of senate.
What is an executive agreement?
Formal agreement between president and leaders of other nations that doesn’t require senate approval.
What is a congressional executive agreement?
A formal agreement between the U.S president and international leaders that requires approval of both houses.
What is the take care clause?
Constitutional requirements that president ensure laws are faithfully executed even with disagreement.
What is the state of the union address?
President annual statement to Congress and nation about what they want done.
What is a signing statement?
Explains why president is signing a particular bill.
What did the 22nd amendment do?
Limited presidential candidates to two terms.
What did the 12th amendment do?
Allowed voters to cast separate votes for the V.P.
What did Article 1 of the constitution do?
Congress cannot delegate powers to the president.
What does article 2 of the constitution address?
Foreign threats and operations of government. Also establishes roles of president.
What does the 25th amendment do?
Allows for temporary removal of the president due to illness or disability.
What three things did the framers want the president to do?
Steer clear of parties and factions
Enforce laws passed by Congress
Handle communications with foreign governments.
What type of government is the U.S.
Not parliamentary but a version with own president.
What are formal powers?
Enumerated/delegated powers
What are the formal powers of the president?
Commander of State Militia
Chief Executive
Foreign Affairs
Chief Legislator
What does the president do as commander in chief?
Leads all militia, commissions officers and makes difficult war decisions and what action military should take
What does the president do as chief executive?
Kind of like CEO of a company in that he hires people and leads cabinet and executive branch. Can also fill vacancies in Congress during recess. They ensure that all laws are executed.
What does president do leading foreign affairs?
Receives ambassadors
What does the president do as chief legislator?
Recommend legislation to Congress
Can veto and sign bills they also lay out agenda and own initiatives. On extraordinary occasions they convene Congress.
What are the additional roles of the president?
Head of state
Political party leader
Crisis manager
Moral persuader
Congress has confirmation power whilst the president has what power?
Nomination
What is a mandate?
President’s claim of broad support
What is a rally point?
Rise in public approval of president following a crisis.
What are the controversies of presidential power?
War power (declaring vs. waging)
Abuse of executive privilege
Executive orders
What is an executive memorandum?
Less powerful order which does not carry full force of law issued to direct action by federal beauracracy
What is a presidential support score?
Percentage of times presidents won on key votes.
What is a mandate?
President’s claim of broad support.
What is a rally point?
Rise in public approval of president following a crisis.
What are the 5 reasons for disagreement between the president and Congress?
Competing constituencies
Competing calendars
Competing campaigns
Political Capital
Reputation
