Unit 4B: The Executive Branch (The Presidency)

Head of State

President symbolizes and represents the people of the United States, acts as the ceremonial head of govt (ex. welcomes foreign leaders; grants medals and awards)

Chief Executive

President enforces laws of the United States and chooses officials and advisers to help run the Executive Branch

Chief Administrator

President is the chief or director of the United States govt

Chief Diplomat

President recognizes foreign govts, makes treaties and foriegn policies, and effects executive agreements

Commander in Chief

President commands the military forces of the United States

Chief Legislator

President suggests laws, persuades Congress to support legislation he favors, and has the power to veto bills

Party Leader

President heads his political party, raises funds, and supports candidates

Chief Citizen

President is expected to be "the representative of all the people."

Head of Economy

President plans the nation's budget, and works to solve economic problems such as unemployment, rising prices, and high taxes.

Crisis Manager

President is expected to make quick judgements and take risks during sudden, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous events

Council of Economic Advisors

A three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.

Executive orders

Regulations originating with the executive branch. They are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy.

Impeachment

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution. The House of Representatives may charge the president by a majority vote for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Legislative veto

A vote in Congress to override a Presidential decision. Although the War Powers Resolution asserts this authority, there is reason to believe that, if challenged, the Supreme Court would find it in violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

National Security Council

The committee that links the president's foreign and military policy advisors. Its formal members are the president, vice-president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and is managed by the president's national security assistant.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

An office that prepares the president's budget and also advises president's budget and also advises presidents on proposals from departments and agencies and help review their proposed regulations.

Pocket veto

A type of veto occurring when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president and the president simply lets the bill die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

Presidential coattails

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president's party because they support the president. Recent studies show that few races are won this way.

25th Amendment

(1) Succession of VP if president dies or become incapable to do his job.(2) if there is no VP, president must appoint one, and Congress must approve

22nd Amendment

Amendment that limits presidents to 2 terms in office

Veto

The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two-thirds vote in each house can override it.

War Powers Resolution

A law passed in 1973, in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia, that requires presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. However, presidents have viewed to resolution as unconstitutional.

electoral mandate

the perception that the voters strongly support the president and his policies

executive agreement

A formal agreement between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that does not require Senate approval.

signing statement

An informal power of the President that informs Congress and the public of the president's interpretation of laws passed by Congress and signed by the president

State of the Union Address

a speech given annually by the president to a joint session of Congress and to the nation announcing the president's agenda

Treaty

agreements w/ other countries (must be approved by 2/3 vote in Senate)

honeymoon period

the time following an election when a president's popularity is high and congressional relations are likely to be productive

White House Staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

Cabinet

the heads of the fifteen executive branch departments of the federal government, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve as advisors to the President and are loyal to their departments.

executive privilege

An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.

Federalist No. 70

Hamilton argues for the necessity of a single president (rather than an executive committee). Hamilton states that Americans should not fear the president becoming a tyrant because a single person would be easier to control. Additionally, a single president could act with more energy, efficiency, and secrecy than could a committee.