The presidency

Article II (Expressed Powers)

Powers directly stated in Article II of the Constitution such as commander-in-chief, veto power, appointing officials (with Senate approval), making treaties (with Senate approval), granting pardons, and ensuring laws are faithfully executed.

Expressed Powers

Delegated presidential powers explicitly written in the Constitution (example: commander-in-chief).

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but inferred from constitutional language such as the Take Care Clause and executive power clause.

Informal Powers

Powers developed through precedent and practice that are flexible and expandable (example: executive orders, persuasion, media influence).

Take Care Clause

Clause in Article II requiring the president to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed.

22nd Amendment

Amendment limiting presidents to two elected terms.

25th Amendment

Amendment establishing procedures for presidential succession and disability.

Federalist No. 70

Essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a strong and energetic executive and emphasizing that presidential power depends on persuasion.

Federalist No. 51

Essay by James Madison explaining the importance of checks and balances to prevent concentration of power.

Advice and Consent

Senate power to approve presidential appointments and treaties.

Veto

Formal presidential power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

Occurs when Congress adjourns within 10 days and the president takes no action on a bill.

Impeachment Process

Process where the House impeaches by majority vote and the Senate convicts and removes the president by a two-thirds vote.

Diplomatic Recognition

Presidential power to recognize foreign governments as legitimate.

Treaties

Formal agreements between the United States and foreign nations requiring two-thirds Senate approval.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to federal agencies based on constitutional or delegated authority.

Executive Agreements

Agreements between the president and foreign nations that do not require Senate approval.

Executive Privilege

Presidential claim to withhold certain communications from Congress or courts to protect national security or confidentiality.

Signing Statements

Written comments issued by the president when signing legislation explaining how the law will be interpreted or enforced.

Persuader-in-Chief

Role of the president in influencing Congress and the public to support policies.

Agenda Setting

Presidential ability to shape national priorities through speeches, media, and proposals.

Bully Pulpit

Concept developed by Theodore Roosevelt referring to using the presidency as a platform to shape public opinion.

Facilitator of Change

President who works within the existing political climate to achieve policy goals.

Director of Change

President who attempts to reshape public opinion and lead major policy shifts.

United States v. Nixon (1974)

Supreme Court case that limited executive privilege and required President Nixon to release the Watergate tapes.

Clinton v. City of New York (1998)

Supreme Court case that declared the line-item veto unconstitutional.

Chevron Deference

Principle that courts defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous laws.

Administrative Procedure Act (APA)

Law that sets rules for how federal agencies create regulations.

Bureaucracy

Federal agencies responsible for implementing laws passed by Congress.

Delegated Discretionary Authority

Authority given by Congress to agencies to interpret and implement laws.

Administrative Discretion

Authority of agency officials to decide how laws are applied in practice.

Iron Triangles

Stable relationships among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that influence policymaking.

Revolving Door

Movement of individuals between jobs in government and private sector industries.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Executive office agency that prepares the president's budget and oversees federal agencies.

National Security Council (NSC)

Presidential advisory body responsible for national security and foreign policy guidance.

Cabinet

Group of executive department heads who advise the president.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Organization of agencies that assist the president in managing policy and administration.

White House Office

President's closest advisors who help coordinate daily operations and political strategy.

Budget Reform and Impoundment Act of 1974

Law limiting the president's ability to refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress.

War Powers Act (1973)

Law requiring the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and limiting troop deployment without approval.

Legislative Veto

Congressional attempt to overturn executive action that has largely been struck down by courts.

Electoral College

System in which electors formally choose the president.

Consensus

Level of public and congressional support that strengthens presidential power.

Imperial Presidency

Concept describing expansion of presidential power beyond constitutional limits, especially through informal powers.

Commander-in-Chief

Expressed presidential power to lead the armed forces.

Legislator-in-Chief

Informal role of the president in influencing legislation through agenda setting and persuasion.

Administrator-in-Chief

Role of the president in managing the executive branch and federal agencies.

Recess Appointments

Presidential appointments made when the Senate is not in session.

State of the Union Address

Annual presidential speech outlining national priorities and legislative agenda.

Special Sessions of Congress

Authority of the president to call Congress into session when necessary.

Adjourn Congress

Rare presidential power to adjourn Congress if the House and Senate cannot agree on adjournment timing.

Grant Pardons

Presidential power to forgive federal crimes.

Recognize Foreign Governments

Presidential authority to acknowledge legitimacy of foreign regimes.

Recommend Legislation

Informal presidential power to propose laws to Congress.

Divided Government

Situation when different political parties control the presidency and Congress.

Gridlock

Difficulty passing legislation due to divided government.

Mandate

Claim that election results give the president authority to implement policy goals.

Crisis Expansion of Presidential Power

Idea that presidential authority increases during national emergencies.

Abraham Lincoln and Habeas Corpus

Example of crisis-based expansion of presidential power during the Civil War.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Court Packing Plan

Attempt by FDR to expand the Supreme Court during the Great Depression.

Fireside Chats

Radio speeches used by Franklin D. Roosevelt to communicate directly with the public.

Energy in the Executive

Concept from Federalist No. 70 supporting strong presidential leadership during crises.

Checks on Presidential Power

Limits on presidential authority from Congress, courts, and public opinion.

Formal Powers Characteristics

Explicitly stated in Constitution, legally binding, require cooperation, consistent across presidents.

Informal Powers Characteristics

Developed through precedent, flexible, unilateral, vary by president's skill and circumstance.

Presidential Power = Persuasion

Core idea from Federalist No. 70 that presidential leadership depends on influencing others.