ap gov unit 2 vocab- chapter 5

executive branch***

part of gov that enforces laws and manages public policy (pres, vice pres, cabinet, etc)

formal (enumerated) powers***

defined in article 2- includes qualifications, duties, and limits of the presidency. (ex: 35 yrs old, natural-born, treaty maker, commander in chief, recommends measures to Congress, etc.)

informal powers***

political powers interpreted to be inherent in the office to achieve policy goals

veto***

pres has final stamp of approval of congressional bills and a change to reject them w executive veto

pocket veto***

if pres receives a bill in the last 10 days of a congressional session and does nothing (no sign or veto), this allows the bill to die

treaty***

a formal, legally binding agreement between 2 or more sovereign states- requires approval by Senate’s 2/3 majority vote to be ratified

executive agreement

resembles a treaty but doesn’t require Senate’s 2/3 vote- simple contract between 2 heads of state.

executive order***

empowers pres to carry out law or administer gov

signing statement***

pres can’t change wording of a bill but they can do this when signing bill into law- explains their interpretation, understanding of what is expected of them to carry it out, commentary, etc.

executive privilege***

right to withhold info on their decision-making process from another branch (esp Congress)

executive office of the pres***

operates close to white house, contains several independent agencies that carry out presidential duties and handle budget, economy, and staffing across bureaucracy

state of the union address

Constitution requires pres to report to Congress on state of the union occasionally- explains economic, military, and social state of nation, proposes new policies, explains how gov programs are being administered

presidential pardon

power granted to pres to forgive someone for a federal crime, removing any legal penalties/consequences associated with the offense

impeachment***

a process to remove a federal official from office

bargaining and persuasion

informal power used by pres to influence Congress members to support their policy agenda by negotiating deals and using their political influence to convince others to agree with their position

bully pulpit***

Theodore Roosevelt referred to the presidency as this- a prominent stage from where he could pitch ideas to the American people

going public

strategy used by presidents and other politicians to promote their policies by appealing to the public for support