Executive Branch Part 1 Flashcards
What is the purpose of the executive branch?
To carry out plans of action and enforce laws of the country
What are the qualifications for president?
- Must be a naturally born citizen of the United States
- Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years (does not have to be consecutive)
- Must be 35 years old
What is the order of succession if the president were incapacitated?
- Vice President
- Speaker of the House of Representatives
- President Pro Tempore
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Defense
- Attorney General
How many years does the president serve per term?
4 years
How many terms can the president serve?
2 terms
What is a precedent?
Unwritten rule that people follow
What precedent was set by George Washington?
Presidents would serve a maximum of two terms
Who broke the precedent set by George Washington?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
How many terms did Franklin D. Roosevelt serve?
4 terms
How and when was it made into law that presidents could serve up to two terms?
In 1951 in the 22nd Ammendment to the Constitution
What is an executive order?
A rule or command issued by the President in order to enforce a law or treaty
What is veto?
Forbidding the passage of a bill into law
What is pocket veto?
Not signing a bill so when Congress’ session ends, the bill cannot be re-voted on by Congress
What is commutation?
Substituting a lesser punishment in place of the punishment originally imposed by the court
What is executive privilege/immunity?
Right to withhold information from Congress and/or the courts
What is reprieve?
Postpone a punishment to a later time
What is a pardon?
To release someone from punishment
What is amnesty?
A general pardon for a group of people
Give an example of a pardon.
President Ford pardoned former President Nixon after he resigned for criminal activity in the White House (Watergate Scandal).
Give an example of amnesty.
President Carter gave amnesty to all US Citizens who dodged the draft by going to Canada.
Define treaty.
A written document between two or more countries that enhances the relationship between those groups.
What government body must approve treaties?
Senate
What is an executive agreement?
An agreement between the president and the leader of a foreign government
Does an executive agreement require approval by the Senate?
No
Define incumbent
A candidate who is in office and seeks re-election
Define challenger
A person who is running against an incumbent
