Topic 5- The Presidency

chief legislator

term for the president as architect of public policy and the one who sets the agenda for congress

commander in chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into federal service

persona non grata

unwelcome person; diplomatic rebuke of a foreign government

Who negotiates a treaty?

president

Who approves a treaty, after it is negotiated?

Senate

25th Amendment

Clarifies an ambiguous provision of the Constitution regarding succession to the Presidency, and establishes procedures both for filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President as well as responding to Presidential disabilities.

chief citizen

President as representative of all the people

stewardship theory

A theory that argues for a strong, assertive presidential role, with presidential authority limited only at points specifically prohibited by law. Advocated by Teddy Roosevelt & Andrew Jackson.

signing statement

A written declaration that a president may make when signing a bill into law. Usually, such statements point out sections of the law that the president deems unconstitutional.

power of recognition

President acknowledges the legal existence of a country and its government.

joint resolution

resolutions that are passed by both houses of congress requiring only a simple majority

War Powers Resolution of 1973

A law passed in 1973 spelling out the conditions under which the president can commit troops without congressional approval.

chief of state

The president as ceremonial head of the United States

chief dipolomat

the president meets with foreign leaders and deals with foreign policy

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms.

line of succession

Vice president, Speaker of the House, President pro tempore, and Secretary of State

treaty

formal agreement between two or more sovereign states which has the force of law

President of the Senate

Vice President

Abigail Adams

represents the traditional behind-the-scenes role played by the First Lady

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.

Eleanor Roosevelt

FDR's wife who took and active role in supporting the New Deal. Was also a great supporter of civil rights and opposed the Jim Crow laws. She also worked for birth control and better conditions for working women

execute the law

chief executive's role in enforcing the law

Can the President fire the Vice President?

no, because the VP is also elected

formal qualifications for U.S. president

Natural born citizen, 35 years of age & a resident of the U.S. for 14 years

judicial review

Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws and presidential actions

removal power

The President's power to remove appointed positions except federal judges and heads of independent executive agencies.

executive agreement

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

override a veto

2/3 vote in both Houses of Congress to pass a law over a Presidential veto

presidential pardon

Power of the executive branch to forgive a person of a crime and prevent the person from being re-tried. May not be overturned by any branch or person. However, it does not apply to impeachment or state crimes

amnesty

an official pardon for a group of people who have violated a law or policy such as President Carter forgiving the crimes of Vietnam War draft evaders.

What happens to a bill if it sits for 10 days and Congress is still in session?

becomes law without the president's signature

imperial president

a president who sees no need consult Congress before acting

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

law setting the order of succession following the Vice President

balance the ticket

The practice of choosing a presidential running mate who can strengthen a presidential candidate's chance of being elected

chief of party

term for the president as the leader of his or her political party

pocket veto

bill does not become law if on the 10th day the President hasn't signed it and Congress has adjourned

reprieve

President's power to postpone a sentence

commutation

President's power to shorten a sentence

formal duties of the Vice President

preside over the senate and determine presidential disability

unity of the presidency

one of the main reasons presidential power has grown so much since 1789

signing statement

statement issued by the president after signing a bill that explains how the President plans to enforce the piece of legislation or point out aspects of it that he disagrees with/finds unconstitutional