Unit 4: The Presidency (Executive Branch)

ambassadors

Highest ranking US representatives in foreign countries who are appointed by Pres & require Senate confirmation

bully pulpit

the ability to use the office of the presidency to promote a particular program and/or to influence Congress to accept legislative proposals

Cabinet

Group of officials who head government departments and advise the President

White House Chief of Staff

The person who is named to direct the White House Office and advise the president.

Commander in Chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into federal service

executive agreement

A formal agreement between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that does not require Senate approval.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Ten organizations that advise the President. Includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, and National Security Council. Top positions must be confirmed by Senate.

executive order

a rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.

executive privilege

An implied presidential power that allows the president and his administration to refuse to disclose information to Congress or the judiciary.

honeymoon period

The short time (days or months) following an election when a president's popularity and ability to influence Congress is at its highest.

impeachment

An action by the House of Representatives to accuse the president, vice president, or other civil officers of the United States of committing "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

imperial presidency

Term used to describe a president as an "emperor" who acts without consulting Congress or acts in secrecy to evade or deceive congress

inherent powers

powers claimed by a president that are not enumerated in the Constitution but are inferred from it; derive from the "take care" clause in Art II, Sec 3

lame duck period

The time during which a president who has lost an election or has ended a second term is still in office before the new president serves

National Security Council

An agency in the Executive Office of the President that advises the president on national security

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

Establishes the line of succession to the powers and duties of the office of President of the United States in the event that neither a President nor Vice President is able to "discharge the powers and duties of the office".

signing statements

Formal documents that explain why a president is signing a particular bill into law. These statements may contain objections to the bill and promises not to implement key sections.

State of the Union

An annual speech in which the president addresses Congress to report on the condition of the country and recommend policies.

20th Amendment

Congress begins on January 30th; President starts on January 20th

22nd Amendment

Passed in 1951, limits presidents to two terms of office.

23rd Amendment

Permits residents of Washington, D.C., to vote in presidential elections.

25th Amendment

Ratified in 1967, permits VP to become acting president if the VP and the president's cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.

veto

A constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.

War Powers Act (1973)

Soldiers sent into military action overseas by the President must be brought back within sixty days unless Congress approves the action.

White House staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

Pocket veto

A president's power to kill a bill, if Congress is not in session, by not signing it for 10 days

expressed powers

Presidential powers enumerated in the Constitution (Article 2, secs 2-3)

Take Care Clause

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

Chief Legislator

The role of the president in influencing the making of laws.

Chief Diplomat

The role of the president in recognizing foreign governments, making treaties, and effecting executive agreements.

Chief Executive

The role of the president as head of the executive branch of the government: directs the implementation and enforcement of federal laws, chooses officials to help run the Executive Branch; aka Chief Administrator

Party Leader

In this role, the president is the head of his political party: helps fundraise and campaign for other party candidates

Chief of State

Term for the President as the ceremonial head of the United States, the symbol of all the people of the nation