AP Gov Chapter 5 Terms

Bargaining and Persuasion

The president's ability to influence Congress by negotiating, offering support, or using political capital to shape legislation.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A collection of offices and agencies that support the president in executing laws and managing the federal government (e.g., OMB, NSC).

Going Public

A strategy where the president appeals directly to the American people to pressure Congress to act.

Presidential Pardon

A formal power that allows the president to forgive a federal crime and remove its legal consequences.

War Powers Resolution

A 1973 law restricting presidential military authority; requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and obtain authorization within 60 days.

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to use visibility and influence to shape public opinion and promote policy goals.

Executive Order

A rule or directive issued by the president that carries the force of law without congressional approval.

Impeachment

The process by which the House charges a federal official with wrongdoing; the Senate then conducts a trial and can remove the official by a 2/3 vote.

Signing Statement

A written comment issued by the president when signing a bill, sometimes explaining how the law will be interpreted or enforced.

Twenty-Second Amendment

Limits the president to two elected terms (or up to ten years total).

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president with another country that does not require Senate ratification.

Executive Privilege

The president's claim to withhold certain communications from Congress or the courts for national security or confidentiality reasons.

Informal Powers

Authorities not explicitly stated in the Constitution, such as persuasion, public speaking, and agenda-setting.

State of the Union Address

A constitutionally required annual message in which the president reports on national conditions and proposes a legislative agenda.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The agency responsible for creating the president's budget proposal and overseeing executive agencies.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws; led by the president and includes federal agencies, departments, and the bureaucracy.

Formal (Enumerated) Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president in the Constitution (e.g., commander in chief, treaty power, appointment power, veto).

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is adjourned, effectively killing the bill.

Treaty

A formal international agreement made by the president that requires Senate approval by a 2/3 vote.

Recess Appointment

A presidential appointment made while the Senate is in recess, allowing the appointee to serve temporarily without immediate confirmation.