AMSCO AP GOV 2.4, 2.5

What part of the Constitution outlines the executive branch?

Article II.

Who is the head of the executive branch?

The President of the United States.

Who supports the president in carrying out executive functions?

The Vice President, Cabinet, and Executive Office of the President (EOP).

What are formal powers of the president?

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution or statutes.

What are informal powers of the president?

Powers developed through political practice, precedent, or interpretation.

What is the president’s role in the legislative process if they agree with a bill?

They can sign it into law within 10 days.

What is a veto?

The president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

How can Congress override a veto?

With a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

What is a pocket veto?

When the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns, causing the bill to fail.

Why can’t a pocket veto be overridden?

Because Congress is not in session to reconsider the bill.

What is a signing statement?

A written comment by the president when signing a bill, explaining interpretation or enforcement.

Do signing statements change the text of laws?

No, they influence interpretation and enforcement, not the text.

What are the president’s main roles in foreign policy?

Commander-in-Chief and Chief Diplomat.

What does it mean that the president is Commander-in-Chief?

They direct military forces, though Congress declares war.

What law attempted to check presidential military power after Vietnam?

The War Powers Resolution (1973).

What does the War Powers Resolution require?

Notify Congress within 48 hours of deployment; limit action to 60 days without approval (plus 30-day withdrawal).

What power does Congress hold over military funding?

The “power of the purse” (funding must come from Congress).

What is a treaty?

A formal international agreement requiring a 2/3 Senate vote to ratify.

What is an executive agreement?

An informal international arrangement that does not require Senate approval.

Give one example of a treaty.

Treaty of Versailles (1919).

Give one example of an executive agreement.

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I, 1972).

Why are executive agreements used more often than treaties?

They are faster and more flexible since they don’t require Senate ratification.

What is an executive order?

A directive from the president that has the force of law within the executive branch.

What are the two bases of authority for executive orders?

Implied executive powers from Article II and delegated powers from Congress.

What is an example of a historic executive order?

Truman’s Executive Order 9981 desegregating the armed forces (1948).

Can executive orders be checked?

Yes, by Congress (laws/funding) and by the courts (judicial review).

What is bargaining and persuasion?

The president’s informal power to negotiate and influence Congress members.

What is the bully pulpit?

The president’s use of speeches and public appeals to shape public opinion and pressure Congress.

How did President Lyndon B. Johnson use persuasion effectively?

His lobbying helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What role does coalition building play in presidential power?

It helps the president gain bipartisan support to pass legislation.

What is administrative discretion?

Agencies’ ability to interpret and implement laws in ways aligned with the president’s agenda.

How can the Cabinet support the president?

By managing executive departments, advising policy, and implementing laws.

How can the Executive Office of the President (EOP) support the president?

By providing policy expertise, coordination, and direct advice to the president.

What are two key checks on the president’s foreign policy powers?

Senate approval of treaties and funding control by Congress.

Why does the president have more influence in foreign policy than domestic policy?

The president can act quickly, use secrecy, and employ executive agreements, while Congress’s role takes longer.

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

To prevent any one branch, including the presidency, from becoming too powerful.

What power does the president have regarding appointments?

The power to nominate individuals for government positions.

How does the Senate check presidential appointments?

Through the “advice and consent” process requiring Senate confirmation.

Which presidential appointments require Senate confirmation?

Cabinet members, ambassadors, some EOP officials, and federal judges.

What are Cabinet members?

Heads of executive departments and primary presidential advisors.

Why can Cabinet confirmations be controversial?

Nominees are scrutinized for qualifications, ideology, and political acceptability.

Why does the Senate care about ambassador nominations?

Ambassadors shape foreign policy and must align with Senate priorities.

Do all EOP positions require Senate confirmation?

No, only some key positions, such as the OMB Director.

Which presidential appointments have the longest impact?

Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices.

Why are judicial nominations so important?

Federal judges serve lifetime terms and shape law for generations.

Example of a symbolic Supreme Court appointment?

Reagan’s appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman justice.

Example of a barrier-breaking Supreme Court appointment?

Johnson’s appointment of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American justice.

What role does partisanship play in confirmations?

Divided government often leads to conflict and delays.

What happens when a controversial nominee is rejected?

It demonstrates the Senate’s ability to check presidential power.

Who was Robert Bork and why was he rejected?

Reagan’s Supreme Court nominee; rejected for being too ideologically extreme.

Who was John Tower and why was he rejected?

Bush Sr.’s Defense Secretary nominee; rejected over conduct and political concerns.

Why was Abe Fortas blocked from becoming Chief Justice?

Ethical concerns and political opposition.

What do failed nominations show about presidential power?

The Senate can act independently, ensuring legislative oversight.

Why do presidents use executive orders instead of working with Congress?

To bypass legislative delays and act swiftly on policy goals.

What are presidential directives to the bureaucracy?

Instructions to federal agencies on implementing laws or policy priorities.

Example of executive action used when Congress refused to act?

Obama’s DACA program for immigration.

What is a congressional agenda?

The set of issues Congress chooses to consider and prioritize.

Why do policy conflicts arise between the president and Congress?

The president’s agenda may differ from Congress’s priorities or party control.

How did the Vietnam War demonstrate conflict between the president and Congress?

Johnson escalated military action without a formal declaration of war.

What was the War Powers Resolution (1973)?

A law limiting the president’s ability to deploy troops without Congressional approval.

How did Iraq and Kosovo military actions raise tensions?

Presidents acted without prior Congressional authorization, questioning executive authority.

Example of a legislative battle showing presidential-Congress conflict?

No Child Left Behind (2001) faced opposition over federal overreach in education.

Why are judicial appointments considered the president’s lasting influence?

Lifetime terms allow presidents to shape law long after leaving office.

What was significant about Sandra Day O’Connor’s confirmation?

She was the first woman Supreme Court Justice, setting a historic precedent.

What was significant about Thurgood Marshall’s confirmation?

He was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, impacting civil rights law.

How can executive actions lead to legal or Congressional pushback?

They may be challenged in courts or limited by Congress through legislation or funding.

What is a “lame-duck” president?

A president nearing the end of their term, often facing resistance from Congress.

How does divided government affect presidential appointments?

Conflicts increase when the Senate majority is from the opposing party.

Why is understanding Senate confirmations and policy conflicts important for AP Gov?

It illustrates how checks and balances constrain presidential power in practice.