The Presidency

How many electoral votes is needed for a candidate to win the presidancy?

270

How many electors are in the electoral college? Why?

538, 435 HOR members, 100 senate members, 3 delegates from DC

What does it mean to be Chief of State?

Symbolic leader

What are 2 ways the President can influence Congress?

Lobbying, vetoing

What is a Signing Statement?

A written message that the president issues when signing a bill into law

What does it mean to be Chief Diplomat?

Negotiates treaties and other international agreements

What does it mean to be civilian leader of the military?

Decides when to send troops to battle, sets military strategies

What does it mean to be the Chief Executive?

Appoints secretaries to the 15 departments of the federal gov, determines how congresses laws will be implemented

What are the few jobs the vice president may do?

Largely ceremonial function, legislative liaison

What is cabinet?

The group of experts chosen by the president to serve as advisors

What is the WHO?

White House Office, develops policies and protects the presidents legal and political interests

What does the WHO Chief of Staff do?

Advises the president and manages the WHO

What is the NSC?

National Security Council, advises the president on matters of foreign policy and national security

Who is the National Security Advisor?

Advisor on national security/policy affairs to the president, manages the day to day of the NSC

What is the OMB?

Office of Management and Budget, Creates the presidents annual budget

What is the 25th amendment?

If a President believes they cannot handle the duties, they must notify congress and the VP takes over

What 3 powers were granted to the president in the constitution?

Inherent, expressed, statutory

What are expressed powers?

Commander in Chief, pardon crimes, enter treaties

What are inherent powers?

Implied presidential powers

What are statutory powers?

Powers explicitly given to the president by congress

What are executive orders?

The power of the president to issue orders that carry the force of law

What are emergency powers?

Broad powers exercised by the president during times of national crisis

What is executive privilege?

The right of the chief executive and members of the administration to withhold information from congress or the courts

How have women historically handled the job of First Lady?

It has been defined by the people who occupied it