AP GOV UNIT 2 PART 2 EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Policy Agenda

a set of issues or problems the president prioritizes and aims to address through policy making

formal powers

constitutionally granted powers of the president, such as vetoing legislation and serving as commander in chief

informal powers

powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but used by the president to influence policy, such as bargaining and persuasion

veto

the presidents power to reject a bill passed by Congress, which Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both chambers

pocket veto

a type of veto the president takes no action on a bill within ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively killing the bill

commander-in-chief

the presidents formal role as leader of the US armed forces

treaties

formal agreements between nations requiring Senate approval

executive agreement

informal agreements between the president and foreign leaders that do not require Senate approval

executive orders

directives issued by the president to manage operations within the federal government

signing statements

written comments issued by the president when signing a bill into law, often explaining their interpretation or intent regarding enforcement

senate confirmation

the senate constitutional power to approve or reject presidential appointments

appointments

nominations made by the president for key positions such as Cabinet members, ambassadors, and federal judges

life tenure

the practice of the granting federal judges lifetime appointments, ensuring long-term influence by the president

executive-bureaucratic directives

instruction from the president to federal agencies to implement specific policies

federalist no. 70

a federalist paper by alexander hamilton advocating for a single, strong executive to ensure accountability, energy in execution and defense against foreign threats

22nd amendment

a constitutional amendment limiting the president to two terms in office

limited presidency

a view that presidential powers should be narrowly interpreted to prevent overreach

expansive presidency

a view that president powers should be broadly interpreted to address national challenges

bully pulpit

the president’s use of visibility and media presence to influence public opinion and promote their policy agenda

state of the union adress

an annual speech delivered by the president to Congress, outlining the administration’s priorities and legislative goals

social media

modern communication platforms used by the president to engage directly with the public and respond rapidly to political issues

agenda setting

the presidents ability to shape public discourse and focus attention on specific policy issues through communication strategies

article 1

legislative branch

article 2

executive branch

articles 3

judicial branch

article 4

relations among states

article 5

process for amendments

article 6

supremacy clause, federal law over state law

article 7

ratification of the constitution