Presidency Flashcards
Qualifications to be President
At least 35, natural born American citizen, and resident in the U.S. for at least 14 years.
Qualifications to be Vice President
same as President since the Vice President is 1st in line of succession.
22nd Amendment
Limits presidents to two 4-year terms or a total of 10 years if they became President through succession.
Impeachment
Congressional process of removing a President.
Congressional roles in impeachment.
House “impeaches” the President through simple majority. Senate puts the President on trial and requires 2/3 to remove him. Supreme Court Chief Justice presides over the “trial.”
What prompted the 22nd Amendment?
F.D.R’s four successive election victories.
How many Presidents have been impeached?
Three (Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.)
Watergate
Scandal in the 1970s involving a break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate hotel in Washington, D.C. The subsequent cover-up and threat of impeachment forced Nixon to resign.
Executive Privilege
An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.
U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
Supreme Court ruling holding that no absolute constitutional executive privilege allows a president to refuse to comply with a court order to produce information needed in a criminal trial.
Presidential Succession Act
1947 law that outlines the order of succession for the presidency.
25th Amendment
1967 – in response to JFK’s assassination establishes the procedure for a vacancy in the vice presidency – president nominates someone who is then approved by simple majority of both houses of Congress. Also allows a majority of cabinet to declare president incapacitated or for the president to temporarily relinquish powers (such as for surgery.)
Cabinet
Formal body of advisers who head the 15 executive departments – require Senate approval.
Key powers of the president.
Nominate officials, make treaties, veto legislation, preside over the military as Commander in Chief, pardons.
Downside of making treaties.
Requires Senate approval.
Executive Agreement
Replaces a treaty with no Senate approval required but they are not binding.
War Powers Act
Legislation that limits a presidents powers to introduce troops into conflict – must get Congressional approval within 6 months. Passed in response to deception by Johnson administration during Vietnam War.
Pardon
Presidential power to release someone from penalties/punishment of any federal offense except impeachment. Pardons can be used even if someone hasn’t been charged with a crime. President Ford pardoned former President Nixon for any offenses he “may have” committed.
Lincoln took several actions during the Civil War considered Constitutionally dubious. What was his justification?
The inherent powers granted by the Constitution include the duty to make sure the laws of the United States are faithfully executed. Lincoln reasoned that the survival of the country required his actions which meant he was faithfully enforcing the laws.
bully pulpit
The power of a president (not in the Constitution) to gain public support for a policy by appealing directly to them via mass media.
Office of Management and Budget
Office that prepares the president’s annual budge proposal. supplies economic forecasts, and conducts detailed analyses of proposed bills.
Executive Order
Rule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect of law.
Signing Statements
Written comments attached to a bill by a president that announce portions of a bill the president considers unconstitutional or has not intent on enforcing. Invites litigation in the courts.
