AP Gov Ch. 5

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing and carrying out the nation's laws.

Cabinet

Consists of the heads of the 15 executive departments who advise the president, along with the vice president.

Formal/Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution.

Informal Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but used by the president to carry out presidential duties.

Treaty

An agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president that requires approval by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

State of the Union

The annual speech given by the president to Congress about the state of national affairs.

Commander in Chief

The president's constitutional authority over the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, and strategic nuclear forces.

Veto

The president's constitutional power to reject a bill passed by both houses of Congress.

Pocket Veto

An informal veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays) and Congress adjourns in a way that prevents the bill from being returned.

Presidential Pardon

The president's authority to forgive a federal crime and remove its legal consequences, except impeachment.

Executive Privilege

A power claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and communications confidential from outside scrutiny, especially Congress.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the president and a foreign nation that does not require Senate approval and is generally less durable than a treaty.

Signing Statement

Written comments issued by the president when signing a bill, often explaining how the president interprets or intends to enforce it.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that manages operations of the executive branch and does not require congressional approval.

War Powers Resolution

A law passed by Congress to limit presidential military power; Nixon vetoed it, but Congress overrode his veto.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives brings formal charges against a president or other federal official. The Senate conducts the trial, and conviction requires a two-thirds vote of senators present.

EOP (Executive Office of the President)

A collection of offices and agencies within the White House organization designed to provide advice and assistance to the president.

Bargaining and Persuasion

An informal presidential tool used to persuade members of Congress to support the president's policies and legislative initiatives.

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to appeal to the public and use public attention to pressure Congress or other government officials to support presidential policies.

Going Public

A strategy in which the president promotes himself and his policies by appealing directly to the American public for support.

Federalist 70

The Federalist Paper written by Alexander Hamilton arguing that an energetic, unified executive is necessary for effective government, national security, protection of liberty and property, and accountability to the people.