President Flashcards
What are the key parts of EXOP?
The White House Offices
The National Security Council
Office of budget and Managment
What are the powers given to the presidents office?
Commander in chief- allows them to mobilise troops, and 60 days before notifying congress.
Head of State- the figurehead
Negotiate international treaties- Signing the US up to COP26
Pardon- the ability to commute a sentence to nothing
Propose legislation- This is done through the state of union address.
Nominate Justices- Supreme Court oversight.
Submit the annual budget- Congress sign off.
Veto legislation
Where are the powers of the president in the constitution?
Article 2.
What is the term given to presidents that only serve one term?
Lame-duck
Who has announced they are running for president in 2024?
Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Ron Desantis.
What powers do the PM and President share?
Can select their own cabinets.
Propose legislation.
What are the informal powers of the president?
Deals- Involving funding to secure votes.
Amending legislation- Negotiating what is included in a bill.
Fear mongering- Threats towards congressional members.
Lobbying- Using campaign finance to convince congress.
Social media- can launch campaigns with large public backing.
Electoral mandate- strong legitimacy.
What is the main power of a President?
Persuasion
What is an executive order?
Directives issued by the president, meaning that they can bypass congress. They are seen as powers that lie outside the constitution, and have the same power of law as legislation.
How many executive orders did Biden pass in 2021?
77
What are the limitations of executive orders?
They can be easily reversed by future presidents.
What is the function of the cabinet?
Advisory group, selected by the president.
Debating on topics, to aid a better perspective for a president.
Offers insight into party voting.
What makes the cabinet important?
The individuals within usually have important positions- Hilary Clinton was Secretary of State for Obama.
Cabinet meetings are rarely held, meaning that when they are they are important.
Has the Senate ever rejected a cabinet nomination?
1989- John Tower into George H W. Bush Sr. cabinet as secretary of defence.
What is a balanced cabinet?
Gender, Race, Religion, age, experience and political leanings are all considered and evenly split within a cabinet.
Usually represents America as a whole.
What were the key differences between Trump and Biden’s cabinets?
10 of 12 prominent positions were taken by old white males.
Biden has an almost 50/50 split between women.
Biden also has a near 50% ethnic minority within his cabinet.
Which president changed the size of the Cabinet?
Franklin Roosevelt.
What is an imperial president?
A president characterised by the misuse of presidential powers, and using excessive secrecy. This is usually seen in Foreign policy.
It became the term for the growth of presidential power.
What is an Imperilled presidency?
A presidency characterised by ineffectiveness and weakness.
What is the idea of a balanced ticket?
When running for president, the VP appeals to a different group of voters and in congress.
What are the “rules” for hopeful Presidents?
Political talent- usually had a successful experience in govt.
Governors- Conventions usually pick their candidates from state governors.
Swingstates- Candidates have a better chance if they come from a large state.
Multiple interest- People want someone with multiple interests away from politics.
Happy Family- Appear to lead an ideal family life.
Character- Candidates display value towards their policies.
British Stock- Candidates with British ancestors have been preferred.
Protestantism- Most presidents have been protestant. Only 2 have been catholic.
Male- Hilary Clinton is the only female to gain a party nomination.
What is the War Powers Act?
Meant that a President can’t commit troops without congress declaring war. However, it ended up meaning that a president has 60 days before informing congress. This therefore backfired as they then have 30 days to remove troops if congress doesn’t agree.
What is the Case Act 1972?
Forced presidents to inform congress of all executive agreements made with foreign states.
What was congress’ reaction to imperial presidents?
War Powers Act 1973
Case Act 1972
