Presidency in American Government

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the presidency in American government, including formal and informal powers, the electoral process, the cabinet, and impeachment.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that is responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering the laws.

Checks on Presidential Power

These are institutional and political limitations placed on the President's authority to prevent tyranny.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Veto Power

The power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Natural Born Citizen

A requirement for presidential eligibility, meaning the individual must be a citizen of the United States from birth.

Chief Executive

The role of the President as the head of the federal bureaucracy.

Pardon

The President's power to forgive individuals for crimes, effectively wiping their convictions.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy that opposed European colonialism in the Americas.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Institutional Presidency

A concept that addresses the organization and management of the presidency and its staff.

Official Appointments

The President's authority to fill key government positions.

Cabinet

The advisory body to the President, composed of heads of executive departments.

Imperial Presidency

A term used to describe a presidency that is characterized by greater power than the Constitution allows.

Going Public

A strategy used by Presidents to appeal directly to the public to gain support for their policies.

War Powers Act

A law passed in 1973 that limits the President's ability to engage U.S. forces without congressional consent.

Impeachment

The process by which a sitting President can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office.