Sources of Presidential Power

Flashcards covering the constitutional, inherent, and informal sources of presidential power, historical examples of their use, and the specific roles and checks on the executive branch.

What are the two main reasons the Founders created a strong executive despite fears of tyranny?

First, the Articles of Confederation's failure to provide an independent executive meant there was no one to carry out acts of Congress. Second, the Founders wanted a strong executive to protect liberty, private property, and keep the legislature in check.

In what part of the Constitution does it state that the executive power is vested in a president?

Article II, Section 1

What specific presidential power is granted in Article I of the Constitution as a check on the legislative branch?

The power to sign bills passed by Congress into law or to veto them.

According to Article II, the president can make treaties and appoint ambassadors with the approval of which body?

The Senate

What are 'inherent powers' in the context of the presidency?

Powers claimed by the president that are not clearly expressed in the Constitution but are inferred from phrases such as 'the executive power shall be vested in a President.'

Which president justified the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 as a power attached to the office itself?

Thomas Jefferson

Why did the Supreme Court declare President Harry S. Truman's seizure of steel mills unconstitutional in 1952?

 because the president's power to seize private property was not listed in Article II of the Constitution.

What controversial actions did Abraham Lincoln take during the Civil War to preserve the Union?

He suspended the writ of habeas corpus, jailed opponents without trial, raised an army without Congressional approval, and blockaded Southern ports.

Which president greatly expanded the role of the executive branch through the 'New Deal' programs during the Great Depression?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

What 2001 act granted President George W. Bush significant intelligence-gathering powers to fight the 'war on terrorism'?

The Patriot Act

What is 'executive privilege'?

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts regarding communications between the president and his or her advisers.

What is a 'mandate' in terms of presidential power?

The idea that the president's policies represent the will of the people because they won the election.

Which president was known as the 'Great Communicator' for his skillful use of the media?

Ronald Reagan

What does the term 'impeach' mean?

To formally accuse a public official of misconduct.

Describe the two-step process of impeachment regarding the House and the Senate.

The House of Representatives initiates the impeachment (formal accusation), and the Senate investigates the accusation and votes on whether or not to remove the official from office.

Which two presidents were impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate?

Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998.

Which president resigned in 1974 before the full House could vote on impeachment charges?

President Nixon

What are the seven main roles of the modern president?

Head of state, chief executive, commander in chief, chief diplomat, legislative leader, economic planner, and party leader.

What is the responsibility of the president in the role of 'Chief Executive'?

Leading the executive branch to implement laws passed by Congress and appointing federal judges and heads of executive departments.

What are the duties of the president as 'Legislative Leader'?

Delivering an annual State of the Union message, proposing legislation, signing or vetoing laws, and calling Congress into special sessions.

What activities are included in the president's role as 'Economic Planner'?

Appointing economic advisors, meeting with business leaders, preparing an annual budget request, and submitting economic reports to Congress.