Executive Branch Test Review Sheet

Purpose of the Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing and executing the laws made by Congress. It is headed by the President and includes the Vice President, executive departments, and various federal agencies.

Purpose of the White House Office (Staff)

The White House Office consists of aides who assist and advise the President directly. They oversee the President's political strategy, communication, and daily schedules, and these staff members do not require Senate confirmation.

When does the power of the presidency substantially increase?

The power of the presidency tends to increase during national crises, such as wars, natural disasters, or emergencies. It can also expand during periods when Congress defers decision-making or when both the presidency and Congress are controlled by the same political party.

Supreme Court Case: United States v. Nixon (1974)

This landmark case addressed whether the President could claim absolute executive privilege to withhold information from judicial proceedings. The Supreme Court ruled against Nixon, establishing that the president does not possess absolute privilege in this context and must comply with subpoenas for criminal investigations.

How does the president try and get legislative proposals passed?

Presidents employ several strategies to pass legislative proposals, including lobbying members of Congress, using the 'bully pulpit' to speak directly to the public for support, delivering the State of the Union Address to publicize their agenda, and negotiating compromises or offering incentives.

Powers of the President & Congressional and Constitutional Controls

Presidential powers include the ability to veto legislation, serve as commander-in-chief of the military, negotiate treaties, issue executive orders, make appointments, grant pardons, and deliver the State of the Union address. Congressional controls consist of the ability to override vetoes, confirm appointments, ratify treaties, impeach or remove the president, and exercise control over the budget.

Chief Executive

What role involves enforcing laws and managing the executive branch of government.

Commander-in-Chief

As Commander-in-Chief, the president is responsible for military leadership and making crucial defense-related decisions.

Chief Diplomat

In this role, the president oversees foreign relations, negotiates treaties, and engages in executive agreements with other nations.

Chief Legislator

What role involves setting the legislative agenda, exercising veto power, and influencing the making of laws.

Chief of State

As Chief of State, the president serves as a ceremonial and symbolic leader, representing the nation at formal occasions.

Chief of Party

This role positions the president as the leader of their political party, influencing party activities and policies.

Chief Economic Planner

The president's responsibilities include prioritizing the federal budget and shaping economic policy.

Crisis Manager

The President acts _______ by responding quickly and decisively to emerging national crises.

Purpose of the National Security Council (NSC)

The NSC advises the president on matters of national security, military issues, and foreign policy, coordinating security strategy among executive agencies.

Divided Government

What occurs when the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different political parties, often resulting in legislative gridlock.

Define and understand 'honeymoon' period

The honeymoon period refers to the initial months following a president's inauguration, characterized by high public support and a greater ease in passing legislation. This is usually the best opportunity to push for significant policy changes.

War Powers Act (1973)

The War Powers Act attempts to limit the president's power to deploy military forces without congressional consent. The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment, and troops cannot remain deployed for more than 60 days without congressional approval, along with an additional 30-day withdrawal period.

Why is the president more capable than Congress in foreign policy?

The president is more capable in foreign policy due to the unified executive voice, the ability to act quickly and decisively, and the concentration of military and diplomatic authority within the executive branch.

How does the president set national policy and priorities?

The president sets national policy through the State of the Union address, federal budget proposals, executive orders, and utilizing media and public opinion to influence Congress.

What is an Executive Order?

An Executive Order is a formal directive issued by the president that has the force of law without needing congressional approval. It is subject to judicial review and can be revoked by future presidents.

Executive Agreement

an informal agreement between the president and foreign leaders that does not require Senate ratification, unlike treaties. These agreements are not permanently binding and can be terminated by subsequent presidents.

What is Executive Privilege?

What refers to the president's right to withhold information from Congress, courts, or the public, particularly concerning national security or confidentiality. This privilege is not absolute, as established by the US v. Nixon case.

Imperial Presidency (concept)

What argues that presidential power has become overly extensive, undermining constitutional checks and balances, particularly since World War II and during the Cold War and Vietnam Era. It often involves unilateral presidential actions and limited accountability to Congress.

Ticket Balancing

The practice of selecting a vice-presidential candidate who enhances the presidential ticket by providing diversity, regional appeal, ideological balance, or electoral strength, thereby attracting a broader range of voters.

Formal vs. Informal Powers of the President

Formal powers are explicitly listed in the Constitution and include roles like Commander-in-Chief and the ability to veto legislation. Informal powers, while not explicitly mentioned, are still significant and include actions like executive orders, the bully pulpit, and influencing the media.

Qualifications to Become President

To become president, one must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

Main Ideas of Federalist #70 (Alexander Hamilton)

In Federalist #70, Hamilton argues for a strong, single executive as essential for effective governance. He emphasizes the importance of energy (decisiveness, speed, secrecy) in leadership and argues that accountability is more accessible with one president rather than multiple executives.