Executive Branch Study Guide

Nomination Process

The procedure by which a president selects and officially appoints candidates for federal positions, including judges and cabinet members, subject to Senate confirmation.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to discuss and select candidates for an election.

Primary

An electoral process in which party members vote to select their candidate for the general election.

Open v. Closed primary

Types of primary elections; an open primary allows any registered voter to participate, while a closed primary restricts participation to registered party members only.

National Convention

A gathering of party delegates to nominate a presidential candidate and establish the party platform.

Major goals of national convention

To nominate the party's presidential candidate and unify party members around the party platform.

Winner-take-all

A system in which the candidate who receives the most votes in a primary or election wins all the delegates or electoral votes.

proportional representation

A system where delegates or electoral votes are allocated based on the percentage of votes each candidate receives in a primary or election.

How to determine how many electoral votes each state has

by adding the number of its senators (always 2) to its representatives in the House.

Pros of the Electoral College

The pros of the Electoral College include ensuring that smaller states have a voice in elections, encouraging candidates to campaign nationwide, and providing a clear outcome in the event of a close election.

Cons of the Electoral College

The cons of the Electoral College include the possibility of a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote, the disproportionate influence of smaller states, and the risk of discouraging voter turnout in states that are heavily favored for one candidate.

Constitutional requirements to be president

include being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Chief of state

The Chief of State is the ceremonial leader of the country, representing the United States at official functions, embodying national unity, and performing ceremonial tasks.

Chief Executive

The Chief Executive is the highest-ranking official in the executive branch of government, responsible for enforcing laws, overseeing federal agencies, and making key policy decisions.

Commander in Chief

The Commander in Chief is the head of the armed forces of the United States, holding the authority to direct military operations and make critical decisions during wartime.

Chief Diplomat

The Chief Diplomat is the primary architect of American foreign policy, responsible for managing international relations and representing the United States in diplomatic negotiations.

Chief Legislator

The Chief Legislator is the role of the President in shaping policy and legislation by influencing Congress, proposing bills, and using the veto power.

Chief of Party

The Chief of Party is the leader of their political party, responsible for ensuring party unity, coordinating party activities, and supporting the party's legislative agenda.

Chief Citizen

The Chief Citizen is the President's role in representing the interests and concerns of the American people, serving as a role model and spokesperson for the nation.

What are the legislative powers of the president?

The legislative powers of the president include the ability to propose legislation, influence congressional debates, veto bills, and call special sessions of Congress. These powers enable the president to play a crucial role in the legislative process and policy development.

Executive order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government and implement laws passed by Congress.

Executive Agreements vs. Treaties

Executive agreements are international agreements made by the president without Senate approval, while treaties require Senate ratification. Both serve to manage foreign relations but differ in their formal approval processes.

Appointment and removal

refers to the president's authority to appoint and dismiss federal officials, including Cabinet members, judges, and ambassadors, subject to Senate confirmation for some positions.

Judical Powers of the president

The powers granted to the president to influence the judicial system, including appointing federal judges, granting pardons, and overseeing the federal courts.

Reprieve

the president's power to postpone the punishment of an individual, often seen in the context of criminal sentences.

Commutation

the president's authority to reduce the length of a sentence or fine imposed on an individual.

Pardon

the president's power to officially forgive an individual for a crime, essentially erasing the legal consequences.

Amnesty

an official pardon for individuals or groups, often relating to political offenses.

Recognition power

the president's authority to officially recognize foreign governments and establish diplomatic relations with them.

Development of presidential powers over time

the expansion and evolution of the powers granted to the presidency, influenced by historical events, legislation, and interpretations of the Constitution.

What characteristics make a bureaucracy?

Bureaucracy is characterized by a hierarchical structure, specialization of tasks, a clear chain of command, formal rules and regulations, and an emphasis on efficiency and accountability.

Executive office of the President

the group of advisors and agencies that assist the president in executing federal laws and managing the executive branch.

Cabinet Departments

the agencies responsible for carrying out the administration's policies and programs, each serving a specific area of government such as defense, education, or health.

Independent Executive Agencies

these are federal agencies that are independent from the executive departments and are responsible for specific functions, often with a greater degree of autonomy.

Independent Regulatory Agencies

federal entities created to regulate specific economic or social interests, operating independently of executive departments.

Government Corporations

entities created by Congress that operate like private businesses but provide public services, funded by their own revenue.