AP U.S. Government Executive Branch Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the formal and informal powers, roles, and legislative interactions of the executive branch as outlined in AP U.S. Government.

Policy Agenda

The list of issues and goals that the president wants the government to focus on and address.

Formal Powers

Powers specifically granted to the president by the Constitution, mainly in Article II.

Veto

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

Pocket Veto

When the president does not sign a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays) and Congress adjourns during that period, preventing the bill from becoming law.

Commander in Chief

The president's constitutional role as the leader of the U.S. military. The president directs military operations, but Congress has the power to formally declare war.

Treaty

A formal agreement between the United States and another country that requires approval by two-thirds of the Senate to be ratified.

Informal Powers

Powers the president uses that are not specifically written in the Constitution but have developed through tradition, interpretation, and political practice.

Executive Orders

Official directives issued by the president that manage how the federal government operates. They have the force of law but cannot violate the Constitution or existing laws.

Executive Agreements

Agreements between the president and foreign leaders that do not require Senate approval, unlike formal treaties.

Persuasion and Bargaining

Informal presidential powers used to convince lawmakers to support the president's policies through negotiation, compromise, and political influence.

Signing Statements

Written statements issued by the president when signing a bill into law, explaining how the president interprets or intends to enforce the law.

War Powers Resolution

A 1973 law designed to limit the president's ability to involve U.S. troops in military conflicts without congressional approval, generally requiring notification of Congress within 48 hours and troop withdrawal within 60 days, with up to 30 additional days for withdrawal.

Cabinet

Heads of the 15 executive departments. Appointed by president, confirmed by Senate. Advise the president and enforce federal laws.

Political patronage

Rewarding political supporters, donors, or loyalists with government jobs or contracts, rather than hiring based on merit.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Specialized agencies (created 1939) that directly support the president's policy and daily operations. Includes the White House Office.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Largest EOP agency. Prepares the president’s annual federal budget proposal and reviews agency regulations for compliance

Foreign policy

Strategy for dealing with other nations. Led by President acting as Chief Diplomat (treaties/diplomacy) and Commander in Chief

Executive privilege

Implied presidential power to withhold confidential White House communications from Congress or courts, usually to protect national security.

22nd amendment

Constitutional rule passed in 1951 that limits a president to serving a maximum of two terms in office.

Agenda sitting

Using presidential influence to choose which policy issues get prioritized, heavily influencing what Congress discusses and votes on.

Bully pulpit

The president's unique media platform to pitch ideas directly to the American people and build public pressure on Congress.

State of the Union

Constitutionally mandated annual speech by the president to a joint session of Congress outlining the nation's condition and legislative goals.

Going public

Strategy where the president bypasses Congress to appeal directly to the voters, aiming to generate pressure on law makers to pass bills

Limited interpretation

Believing that the president should only exercise powers explicitly granted by the constitution or by Congress

Expansive interpretation

Arguing the president may take action that is not specifically prohibited by the Constitution in order to serve the national interest