Executive Branch

Veto

President formally rejects a bill. ^

Pocket Veto

President takes no action and bill dies if Congress adjourns within 10 days. ^

Line-Item Veto

President cancels specific parts of a bill, usually budget items. ^

Incumbent

Current officeholder; may or may not run for reelection. ^

Lame Duck

Incumbent whose term is ending soon due to election loss or not running. ^

Federalist 70

Advocates a single, energetic executive for accountability; vesting clause and unitary executive. ^

Pardon

Forgives an individual’s legal consequences. ^

Reprieve

Postpones or delays punishment. ^

Amnesty

Forgives a group for a class of offenses. ^

Formal Presidential Requirements

35+ years old, natural-born citizen, 14+ years residency. ^

Informal Presidential Requirements

Experience, leadership, ability to project national vision. ^

12th Amendment

Separate votes for President and VP. ^

20th Amendment

Lame duck amendment; sets end/start dates for presidential terms. ^

22nd Amendment

Limits president to two elected terms. ^

25th Amendment

VP succession, presidential disability, filling VP vacancy. ^

VP Roles

President of Senate, advisor, national security council member, succession. ^

War Powers Act

President must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops; end hostilities within 60 days unless Congress approves. ^

Executive Orders

Direct executive branch actions based on law. ^

Signing Statements

Written comments on bills, often interpreting law or objecting to parts.