AP Gov Executive Powers

Formal Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution (such as vetoing bills, appointing officials, commanding the military)

Informal Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but developed through custom, practice, and precedent (like executive orders or agreements)

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law without congressional approval

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president that does not require Senate approval

Veto

The president’s constitutional power to reject a bill passed by Congress

Pardon

The president’s power to forgive a crime and eliminate punishment

Reprieve

Temporary postponement of a criminal sentence

Executive Privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or the courts for national security or confidentiality

Signing Statement

A written comment issued by the president when signing a bill into law, often explaining how it will be enforced

Pocket Veto

When the president ignores a bill and Congress adjourns within 10 days, causing the bill to die without a signature

Federalist #70

Alexander Hamilton’s essay arguing for a single, energetic executive to ensure accountability and efficiency

Imperial Presidency

A term describing a president who acts more like an emperor, exceeding constitutional limits on power

The Power of Recognition

The president’s ability to recognize foreign governments, giving them legitimacy

Partisan

Strongly supporting one political party

Non-Partisan

Not affiliated with or biased toward any political party

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives

Patronage

Granting government jobs to political supporters and friends

Spoils System

Practice of rewarding loyal supporters with government jobs after an election victory

Discretionary Authority

The power of bureaucrats to make decisions on how to implement congressional laws

Rule-Making Authority

The ability of bureaucratic agencies to make regulations that have the force of law

Departments

Major administrative units in the executive branch that oversee broad areas of government policy (like the Department of Defense)

Regulatory Agencies

Government bodies that oversee and enforce specific regulations to protect the public (like the EPA or FCC)