Executive, Judicial, and Checks/Balances

TRUE/FALSE: Senate confirms presidential appointments.

TRUE-- Senate confirms presidential appointments to the Supreme Court, Cabinet, and other ambassadors. Need a simple majority to confirm

Veto

To cancel a law

Congressional Veto

Ability of Congress to override a President's veto with a 2/3 majority

Formal Powers of the President

Things that are specifically mentioned in the Constitution (enumerated/delegated). Commander in Chief, enforce laws, veto power, pardon individuals, address Congress in State of Union, Negotiate Treaties, and fill vacancies.

Informal Powers of President

Executive Orders, Signing Statements, Executive Agreements, Power to persuasion using speeches & media to guide legislation; "Bully Pulpit"

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Small organization within the President's office that includes the OMB, White House Staff, and other small organizations.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Staff of the White House that analyzes the national budget for the President's agenda

Cabinet

Group of department heads who advise the President on key issues (15 departments)

The "litmus test" for Supreme Court nominee is which Supreme Court case/belief?

Opinion on Roe v. Wade (abortion rights)

Three Reasons for Impeachment

Treason, Bribery, High Crimes & Misdemeanors

Executive Order

An order from the President that does not require Congressional approval; President acting as "enforcing laws" as stated in Constitution

Writ of Certiorari

An order from a higher court directing a lower court to send a case up for review

Amicus Curiae

Term meaning to bring arguments and notes from individuals outside of the specific case to be used in court.

Judicial Restraint

Philosophy that justices and the court should not serve to make legislation or social change in a decision (Strict Interpretation); look at just reviewing the law and action as provided to the court

Judicial Activism

Philosophy that justices and the court should take an active part in making court decisions to change a social policy (loose interpretation); use the "spirit of the times" to make decisions.

TRUE/FALSE: Vice Presidents have a clear and significant role in the government as stated in the US Constitution.

FALSE. Vice Presidents do not have many key responsibilites; they are often chosen by Presidents in how well they can balance a presidential ticket and win elections.

Balancing the Ticket

Campaign practice of choosing a running mate as Vice President that will attract more voters than the original base

Bully Pulpit

President's power to persuade the public on ideas/beliefs/legislation in speeches; The State of the Union

Mandatory Spending

Federal government spending that is required based on previously passed laws

Discretionary Spending

Federal spending that varies based on the President's budget and the budget officially approved by Congress

Categorical Grants

Federal grant money allocated for a specific reason and use with potential restrictions

Block Grants

Federal grant money allocated for general purposes

Executive Privilege

An implied power of the President that allows the President to not tell the other branches of government information (typically used in impeachment cases)

Impeachments of Nixon, Clinton, and Trump

Obstruction of justice -- in all cases, President tried to use executive privilege as justification and order White House staff to not testify or provide information against the president

Imperial Presidency

Term used to describe the expansion of power of the Presidency -- potential for abuse of power

Presidential Approval Ratings

Measure of how the public views the success of the presidency; can vary in times of scandal or successful event

War Powers Resolution

a resolution of Congress that the president can send troops into action abroad only by authorization of Congress, or if American troops are already under attack or serious threat

Signing Statements

Presidential statements that explains a President's opinion on a piece of legislation after signing it into law

Executive Agreements

Informal agreements made between the President and another country's head of state -- no Congressional approval & no carry over to the next president

Power of the Purse

Congress power to control the federal government's taxation & spending