AP Gov: Executive Branch

Executive Office of the President / White House Staff

Selected by the President and most positions do not need confirmation — examples include Chief of Staff

The Cabinets

Fifteen executive departments whose heads are nominated by the President but need Senate approval — examples include the Departments of Treasury

Independent Agencies

Not technically under the Office of the President

Formal Presidential Powers

Powers listed in the Constitution that give the President authority in areas such as military command

Chief Executive

One of the President’s formal roles — responsible for enforcing laws and managing the executive branch.

Commander in Chief

One of the President’s formal roles — the leader of the armed forces.

Chief Diplomat

One of the President’s formal roles — directs foreign policy and negotiates with other nations.

Chief Legislator

One of the President’s formal roles — influences the lawmaking process by recommending legislation and approving or vetoing bills.

Head of State

One of the President’s formal roles — acts as the symbolic representative of the United States.

Informal Presidential Powers

Powers not in the Constitution

Executive Agreements

Informal agreements made by the President with foreign leaders without Senate approval.

Executive Orders

Formal directives issued by the President that manage operations of the federal government — not in the Constitution but used under informal powers.

Bargaining and Persuasion

An informal power used by Presidents to influence members of Congress and get policies passed (example: LBJ).

Bully Pulpit

The President’s use of media platforms to connect with the American public and push policy agendas.

Signing Statements

Comments issued by the President when signing a bill

Checks on Presidential Power

Ways other branches limit the President’s authority

Checks of the President

Presidential actions that limit the power of other branches

Pocket Veto

If the President does not sign a bill passed by Congress in 10 days and Congress is not in session

Regular Veto

When the President directly rejects a bill passed by Congress and returns it with objections.

Appointment Power

The President’s authority to nominate cabinet members

Pardon Power

The President’s power to forgive individuals convicted of federal crimes. (Derived from constitutional powers section)

Federalist No. 70

Written by Alexander Hamilton; argued for “energy in the executive” and a single executive leader rather than a council — said checks and balances would prevent one person from becoming too powerful.

War Powers Resolution Act (1973)

Passed by Congress to limit presidential war powers by requiring notification to Congress within 48 hours and allowing 60 days of military action without a formal declaration of war.

12th Amendment

Electoral College reform — requires separate ballots for Vice President and President (before this

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms; passed after FDR was elected four times in a row.

25th Amendment

Clarifies presidential succession and procedures if the President or Vice President cannot serve.