AP Government Study Guide: The Presidency

Federalist 70

A single strong executive is the better choice for a stable government. One person in charge is better than many. Hamilton’s main argument is that one person is better since that means there will be better unity and quick decision making. Multiple people would mean multiple differing views that would lead to disagreement.

Veto

Formal. President has ten days to reject of passing the House of origin.

Treaty Negotiation (w/Senate)

Formal. Allowed to make agreements about internal affairs such as state to state laws.

Executive Order

Informal. Orders issued by the president that carry the force of the law.

Signing statements

Informal. Informs Congress and public of the presidents interpretation of laws passed by Congress and signed by the president.

Bully Pulpit

Informal. The platform given to one in government/attention to spread their ideas and agenda.

Bargain and Persuasion

Informal. Bargains with Congress and persuades the public with their agenda.

Appointments (w/Senate)

Formal. The ability to appoint people to government positions to lead an area approved by the Senate to take position in Cabinet.

Executive Agreements

Informal. International agreements and related to trade made by a president that has the force of a treaty; does NOT need Senate approval.

Commander-in-Chief

Ultimately in charge of well-being of public and their safety.

Head of state

The President of the United States is tasked with attending state events and receiving foreign dignitaries. Such as ceremonial duties like hosting foreign leaders at state dinners.

Crisis manager

As leader of the executive branch, the President is primarily responsible for seeing that the work of government is done. Such as President Trump managing the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commander-in-Chief

As Commander in Chief, he is authorized to direct the movements of the naval and military forces placed by law at his command, and to employ them in the manner he may deem most effectual to harass and conquer and subdue the enemy. Such as President Bush ordering troops into Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.

Chief Legislator

To influence the making of laws. The president helps set the policy agenda for the nation. Such as President Johnson pushing for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Chief Diplomat

The power to negotiate with foreign governments and appoint ambassadors. Such as President Obama negotiating the Paris Climate Accords with foreign countries.

Party Leader

Responsible for managing the party's relationship with the general public and leading the competition against political rivals, similar to the role of a party spokesperson. Such as President Reagan fundraising for Republican Congressional candidates.

Chief Executive

The nomination of political appointees, and control of executive agencies, is in charge of the whole Executive Branch and who they appoint. Such as Bill Clinton appointing Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the Supreme Court.

Cabinet

Advisory group to the president as heads of major departments. Help president execute laws and assist in decision-making.

Executive Office of the President

Helps the President develop and implement his policy agenda (OMB- Office of Management and Budget, NSC- National Security Council, Council of Economic Advisors) Some but not all subject to confirmation.

White House Staff

Directly responsible to the president, often having worked on their campaign for a long time and their staff is loyal.

Why might Modern Presidents rely more on their White House staff than the cabinet?

Cabinet is subject to Congressional oversight (Congress can expand or abolish departments). WH Staff generally not subject to oversights. Interest group influence on cabinet departments (“Iron Triangle”).

Unified government

Occurs when the president and Congress are controlled by the same political party.

Divided Government

Occurs when the president is from one party and Congress is controlled by a different party.

Power of the Purse

The power to control/withhold money from a different government group. Congress has the ‘Power of the Purse‘. It relates because Congress has the ultimate say over the budget and amount of money the president receives.

Veto power

A regular veto can be overridden by a 2/3 vote in Congress. A pocket veto cannot be overridden.

Checks on Presidential Power

Courts can check the President with Judicial Review. Congress can check the Presidents power through Constitutional power of the Purse, Impeachment, and Veto override.

War Powers Resolution

Congress must be notified and approve of any declaration of war made by the president or for committing forces for combat.

Secretary of State

Oversees diplomatic relations with other nations around the world.

Secretary of Defense

Advises on military matters, defense strategy, and oversees the Department of Defense.

National Security Advisor

Coordinates national security policy from various agencies/departments and advises the president directly.

How do Executive orders and signing statements expand presidential power relative to Congress?

They allow presidents to rule over laws and acts without directly needing approval by Congress. Therefore, they can pass rulings more in presidential favor than in Congress’ favor. For example, Barack Obamas Executive order allowed for no discrimination by contractors w/o need for new Legislation.

Why do modern Presidents tend to dominate the foreign policy decisions compared to Congress?

This is due to quicker decisions and unity by the President in his decisions. While Congress on the other hand has to come to a unified decision or a majority decision. These meetings with Congress take a lengthy time since there is so many people with differing views. Therefore, the President has easier ruling/conclusions w/foreign policy decisions.