Exam 3# Presidency

Executive Agreements

International Agreement between the US and other nations, not subject to senate approval

Executive Order

Presidential directive that has force of law, though it is not enacted by congress

Veto

the power to officially reject or prohibit a proposed action or law

Pocket Veto

Bill fails to become a law because pres. does not sign it within a ten-day period and cannot return bill to Congress because Congress is no longer in session

Signing Statements

written pronouncement on a passed bill on how the president intends to carry out the law

Head of state

Receives foreign dignitaries and carries out other ceremonial duties

Chief Executive

Manages federal bureaucracy and appoints members to the cabinet and other executive agencies

Chief Diplomat

The President is the “point man” for US foreign policy. Presidents enter into executive agreements and negotiate treaties

Commander in Chief

Makes Decisions to commit troops

Executive Office of the President

Consists of appointed bureaucrats that form dozens of offices and councils that assist the president.  

White House Office

contains the president’s personal advisors and staffers.

The Cabinet

The group of experts chosen by the president to serve as advisers on running the country.

Executive Priviledge

The right of the chief executive and members of the administration to withhold information from Congress or the courts, or the right to refuse to appear before legislative or judicial bodies.

State of the Union

an annual address delivered by the president of the US to Congress, typically at the beginning of the year, giving the administration's view of the state of the nation and plans for legislation

Impeachment

The power of the House of Representatives to formally accuse the president (and other high-ranking officials, including the vice president and federal judges) of crimes.

Imperial Presidency

A term coined by Arthur Schlesinger to describe the modern executive branch and the enormous powers the office has gained through assertion, the size of the bureaucracy, and the presence of staff loyal to an individual president.

Office of Management and Budget

Office that creates president’s annual budget

Bully Pulpit

The ability of presidents to speak out and be listened to by voters

Take Care Clause

The constitutional basis for inherent powers, which states that the president “shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”

Decay Curve

Presidential approval ratings dropping

Lame Duck

President considered this he has been defeated for reelection, or after his successor has been elected, but also whenever he cannot be, or is known not to be, a candidate for reelection