ap gov executive branch

Chief Executive

enforces laws and appoints officials

Commander in Chief

leader of the armed forces; cannot declare war

Chief Diplomat

Negotiates treaties and appoints ambassadors, needs senate approval

chief Legislator

used the veto power and sets the agenda (state of the union)

head of state

symbolic role as the national symbol

pocket veto

president ignores a bill and returns it with reasons; can be overridden by congress (2/3 vote)

appointment power

ability to nominate supreme court justices and department heads (needs senate approval)

pardon power

ability to forgive federal crimes

executive agreements

agreements with foreign leaders that do not need senate approval

executive order

directives made by the president that have the force of law and don’t need congress

bully pulpit

using media to persuade the public to support their agenda

signing statements

written comments the president attaches to a bill when signing it into law

federalist no. 70

hamilton argued for a single, energetic executive for effective government

12th amendment

requires separate ballots for president and vice president

22nd amendment

sets a two-term limit for the president

25th amendment

clarified the president succession line

war powers resolution

president must consults with congress before sending troops. troops must be withdrawn in 60 days without congressional approval

early congress vs. president

from 1790-1900s, congress was seen as the most powerful; since the 1900s, the president has been seen as the most powerful

presidential power growth

president expanded their power through emergency war powers, new deal, tv speeches, and post-9/11 actions

congressional reaction

congress tries to limit executive power by passing laws and holding oversight hearing to investigate the executive branch

executive office of the president/ white house staff

selected by the president; most do not need senate confirmation. ex: chris of staff, press secretary.

the cabinet

15 department whose heads are nominated by the president and need senate approval. Ex. treasury, defense, justice

independent agencies

not technically under the president but still have authority. ex: CIA, NASA, EPA