Govpol L&E part 2

Federalist 70

Argues for single energetic executive for accountability & decisive action

Constitutional Roles of President

Commander-in-Chief, Chief Diplomat, Chief Executive, Legislative Leader, Head of State

Implied/Inherent Roles of President

Crisis management, executive privilege, agenda-setting (bully pulpit)

Veto vs Pocket Veto

Veto: President explicitly rejects bill; Pocket veto: indirect veto after adjournment

Executive Orders

Presidential directives with force of law, without Congressional approval

Signing Statements

Presidential comments interpreting/criticizing bills when signing into law

Executive Privilege

President can withhold info from Congress/courts

Appointment Power (President)

Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, executive officials

Senate Role in Appointments

Confirms presidential appointments by simple majority

Executive Agreements vs Treaties

Agreements: no Senate approval; Treaties: Senate ratification required

War Powers (President & Congress)

President commands military; Congress declares war & controls funding (limited by War Powers Act)

Impeachment Procedure

House impeaches; Senate tries & removes with ⅔ vote

Imperial Presidency

Excessive expansion of presidential power beyond constitutional limits; checked by War Powers Act, Congress, courts

12th Amendment

Separate electoral votes for President & VP

20th Amendment

Moves inauguration to Jan. 20, reduces lame-duck period

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to 2 terms

25th Amendment

Procedure for presidential succession/disability

Executive Office of President

Advisory offices: Chief of Staff, National Security Council, OMB (budget)

Bully Pulpit

President uses media/public presence to influence public opinion/policy