Unit 2 - Executive Branch Flashcards
Formal Powers of the President
Power directly given to the President by the US Constitution
Vetoes
The president can reject a bill, but Congress can override it with a 2/3 vote.
Pocket Vetoes
When the president doesn’t sign or reject a bill, and it dies after 10 days if Congress isn’t in session.
Commander-in-chief
The president is the leader of the armed forces.
Negotiating Treaties
The president can make agreements with other countries, with Senate approval.
Appointment Powers
The president can appoint officials, like judges, with Senate consent.
What are the formal powers of the President?
- Vetoes
- Pocket Vetoes
- Commander-in-chief
- Negotiating treaties
- Appointment powers
Informal Powers of the President
Powers not written in the Constitution but used by the president to influence or lead, like persuasion or executive orders.
Executive Agreements
International agreements made by the president without Senate approval.
Executive Orders
Rules or commands made by the president that have the force of law, without needing approval from Congress.
Bargaining and Persuasion with Members of Congress
The president’s efforts to influence lawmakers to support policies.
Signing Statements
Comments made by the president when signing a bill into law, often explaining how they interpret it.
What are the informal powers of the President?
- Executive Agreements
- Executive Orders
- Bargaining and Persuasion with
members of Congress - Signing Statements
How does the Senate check the President?
By advising and consenting to important presidential appointments such as:
- Cabinet members
- Ambassadors
- Staff in the Executive Office of the President (EOP)
- All federal justices
Cabinet members
Leaders of executive departments.
Ambassadors
Representatives to other countries
EOP
Executive Office of the President
What are the federal justices?
- SCOTUS
- Court of Appeals
- District Courts
How does the President’s impact the Country’s Judicial Appointments?
He/She appoints judges that will serve for a lifetime.
Conflict with Congressional Agenda
When the president’s goals clash with Congress, they may issue executive orders or direct government agencies.
Executive Orders
Presidential instructions that direct how the government should operate, without needing Congress’s approval.
Federalist No.70
An essay arguing for a strong, single president to ensure energy and accountability in government.
Federalist No.70 key points
- Arguments for a unitary
executive - “Energetic Executive”
- Ease of accountability with only
one president
22nd Amendment
Limits presidents to two terms in office.
Debate Between the Expansion and Limitations of Presidential Power
The ongoing argument about whether the president should have more control and authority or if there should be more restrictions to prevent abuse of power.
Bully Pulpit/State of the Union Address
The president’s use of their public platform to influence or persuade citizens and lawmakers.
Modern Technology/Social Media
The president uses platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc., to communicate directly with the public.
Iron Triangle
When three groups—government agencies, politicians, and special interest groups—help each other out and make decisions that benefit them, not the public. They work closely together to get what they want.
Red tape
Rules or paperwork that make things take longer or be more complicated than needed.
