The Executive Branch - Presidency

Flashcards on the Executive Branch and the Presidency

Executive Evolution

The role of presidents has changed dramatically since the beginning of U.S. history, mainly through an expansion of powers and influence, rather than formal constitutional changes.

Energy (Executive Branch)

One person should hold the presidency for “energy” in time of need, contrasting with Congress's slow movement, as defended in the Federalist Papers.

Presidency in Constitution

The Framers were ambivalent about creating the president, resulting in a fairly limited branch with few enumerated powers, closely tied to Congress.

Article II Powers

Article II gives the president the “executive powers,” but does not define those powers comprehensively, leaving out many tools the executive needs.

Views of Presidency

The restrained view sees the president as carrying out Congress's wishes, while the active view allows for independent action as long as it's not forbidden by the Constitution.

Evolution of Presidency

The presidency has moved from a restrained to an active role, influenced by individual presidents, events, relationship with Congress, and the public.

Relationship with Congress

The relationship is one of tension. The role of the party is important here.

Going Public

Presidents utilize this to gain support, making their approval rating very important, especially during the honeymoon period.

Head of State

Power to appoint ambassadors, make treaties, recognize other countries with Senate approval over ambassadors, treaties.

Commander in Chief

Power of the president to direct the use of the military, though Congress can declare war; War Powers Act (1973) aimed to limit presidential power.

Executive Appointment

Presidents can appoint approx 3,000 people at Cabinet and sub-Cabinet level to fill the government.

Judicial Appointment

Appointing judges is a way for presidents to have an impact on government and policy for years after appointing pres. is gone.

Pardons

Pardons are unconditional and no reason need be given for them.

Expressed Powers

Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress (Article I, Section B), and to the President (Article II)

Delegated Powers

The powers that Congress gives to the president in order to carry out their decisions.

Inherent Powers

Powers claimed by a president that are not expressed in the Constitution, but are inferred from it.

Veto Power

gives the president significant role in the legislative process. Congress presents bill to president, they can sign it into law or veto it.

Cabinet

Head of the major executive branch departments.

White House Staff

Analysts and political advisers who inform the president about policies and their political implications.

Executive Office of the President

Permanent agencies that perform specific management tasks for the president.

Must approve every proposal from an executive agency that requires spending.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Vice Presidency

Only constitutional role is to preside over the Senate.

Sources of Presidential Strength

Party, Popular mobilization, Administration

Executive Orders

Often, the opposition party will complain loudly when a president signs executive orders they do not like. That is pure politics.

Signing statements

interpretations of new laws by the administration.

Presidential Characteristics

American presidents have all been men. Until the election of Barack Obama in 2008, they had all been white.

Presidential Candidates

Presidential candidates were first chosen by the party members in Congress