Chapter 11: The Presidency

Consitutional authority (presidential)

Powers derived from the provisions of the Constitution that outline the president’s role in government.

Statutory authority (presidential)

Powers derived from laws enacted by Congress that add to the powers given to the president in the Constitution.

Vesting clause

Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution, which states: “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America,” making the president both the head of government and the head of state.

Head of government

One role of the president, through which the president has authority over the executive branch.

Head of state

One role of the president, through which the president represents the country symbolically and politically.

Recess appointment

Selection by the president of a person to be an ambassador or the head of a department while the Senate is not in session, thereby bypassing Senate approval. Unless approved by a subsequent Senate vote, recess appointees serve only to the end of the congressional term.

Executive orders

Proclamations made by the president that change government policy without congressional approval.

Executive agreement

An agreement between the executive branch and a foreign government, which acts as a treaty but does not require Senate approval.

State of the Union

An annual speech in which the president addresses Congress to report on the condition of the country and to recommend policies

Executive privelage

The right of the president to keep executive branch conversations and correspondence confidential from the legislative and judicial branches.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

The group of policy-related offices that serve as support staff to the president.

Cabinet

The group of 15 executive department heads who implement the president’s agenda in their respective positions.

Unilateral action (presidential)

Any policy decision made and acted upon by the president and presidential staff without the explicit approval or consent of Congress.

Signing statement

A document issued by the president when signing a bill into law explaining the president’s interpretation of the law, which often differs from the interpretation of Congress, in an attempt to influence how the law will be implemented.

Presidential approval rating

The percentage of Americans who think that the president is doing a good job in office

Going public

A president’s use of speeches and other public communications to appeal directly to citizens about issues the president would like the House and Senate to act on.