U.S. Presidency: Powers, Treaties, and Executive Actions

Executive Branch

The branch of government charged with putting the nation's laws into effect.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton argues that an energetic single executive will protect against foreign attacks, provide for the administration of laws, and protect liberty and property.

Formal or Enumerated Powers

Powers expressly granted in the Constitution.

Informal Powers

Powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties.

Treaty

An agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president and requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate to ratify.

State of the Union Address

The annual speech from the president to Congress updating that branch on the state of national affairs.

Veto

Formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress.

Pocket Veto

An informal veto caused when the president chooses not to sign a bill within ten days, during a time when Congress has adjourned at the end of a session.

Presidential Pardon

Presidential authority to release individuals convicted of a crime from legal consequences and set aside punishment for a crime.

Executive Privilege

A right claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts confidential from outside scrutiny, especially that of Congress.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between a president and another nation that does not have the same durability as a treaty but does not require Senate ratification.

Signing Statement

Written comments issued by presidents while signing a bill into law that usually consist of political statements or reasons for signing the bill but that may also include a president's interpretation of the law itself.

Executive Order

Policy directives issued by presidents that do not require Congressional approval.