Exam Preparation Notes

Executive Agreement

An informal agreement between the president and another country that does not require congressional approval.

NAFTA

An example of an executive agreement that eliminated tariffs with Canada and Mexico.

Treaty

A formal agreement requiring approval from the Senate through a two-thirds vote.

Powers of the President

Includes roles such as Commander in Chief, Chief Executive, and Party Leader.

Commander in Chief

The president's role in overseeing the armed forces.

Pardons and Reprieves

Power of the president to forgive legal offenses.

Chief Executive

Role of the president in enforcing laws and overseeing the federal bureaucracy.

22nd Amendment

Establishes term limits for the presidency, limiting it to two elected terms.

20th Amendment

Defines the start dates for newly elected officials, reducing the lame duck period.

25th Amendment

Lays out the line of presidential succession in case of incapacity.

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from giving themselves pay raises until after the next election.

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

Enumerated Powers

Clearly defined powers written in the Constitution, such as declaring war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers.

Special Interest Groups

Organizations that advocate for specific causes or policies.

Iron Triangle

The relationship between special interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees in Congress addressing ongoing issues.

Select Committees

Temporary committees formed for specific investigations or tasks.

Legislative Requirements

Requirements for serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature divided into two houses: the House and the Senate.

Unified Government

Occurs when one political party controls both houses of Congress and the Presidency.

Divided Government

When control of Congress is split between different parties.

Presidential Influence over Agencies

The ability of the president to direct the actions of federal agencies.

Speaker of the House

The second most powerful official in government, controlling legislative agendas.

Lame Duck Politics

The influence and actions of officials remaining in office after losing re-election.

Presidential Powers Post-Election

Elected officials often push through policies before leaving office.

Barack Obama's Executive Orders

Used in his last months in office to implement policies despite an incoming administration.

Bill Clinton's Pardons

Numerous pardons issued in the final days of presidency raised debate.

State Governors' Actions

Governors may also make significant policy changes in their final days of office.