The Presidency and the Executive Branch - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of 20 vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms related to the Presidency and the Executive Branch from the notes.

Executive Power

The authority to execute and enforce laws, vested in the President by the Constitution; includes core powers and responsibilities.

Vesting Clause

The clause that vests the executive power in a single President.

Commander in Chief

The President’s role as commander of the Army and Navy (and militia when called into service).

Advice and Consent

The Senate’s power to approve presidential appointments and treaties.

Treaties

Agreements with foreign nations requiring the approval of two-thirds of Senators present.

Reprieves and Pardons

Presidential clemency powers for offenses against the United States, except in impeachment cases.

Take Care Clause

The President’s duty to ensure that laws are faithfully executed.

Veto

The President’s power to reject legislation; overridden by a two-thirds vote in both Houses.

Checks and Balances

A system that limits the powers of each branch and allows others to constrain them.

Impeachment

The House can impeach a federal official; the Senate conducts the trial and can remove with a two-thirds vote.

Impeachment Trial

The Senate’s proceedings to determine whether to remove a President from office.

Electoral College

Body of electors (today 538) that elects the President; majority wins; can occur without the popular vote.

War Powers Resolution

1973 law allowing rapid presidential action in a sudden attack with required notice and time-limited authorization.

Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952)

Supreme Court case establishing a three-category framework for presidential power depending on congressional approval.

Council of Revision

Madison’s proposal for a President and judiciary to review laws before veto; ultimately not adopted.

Virginia Plan

Plan proposing a single national executive, chosen by Congress, with limited veto power and a loose set of presidential powers.

James Wilson

Delegate who argued for a single, energetic national executive.

Edmund Randolph

Advocate of executive unity; called the idea of a single executive the 'foetus of monarchy'.

Roger Sherman

Delegate who suggested leaving the structure of the Presidency to Congress.

Executive Orders

Signed, written directives of the President to manage the executive branch, grounded in the duty to faithfully execute laws.