Key Presidential Powers and Roles

Lame duck

An outgoing official serving out the remainder of a term, after retiring or being defeated for reelection.

Commander in Chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into federal service.

Executive agreement

A formal agreement between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that does not require Senate approval.

Executive order

A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.

Executive privilege

The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security. An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.

Foreign policy

A nation's overall plan for dealing with other nations. The president has a lead role in foreign policy in the US.

Formal powers

Specific grants of authority defined in the Constitution or in law.

Impoundment

The president's refusal to spend money Congress has voted to fund a program. This is unconstitutional as Congress has the power of the purse.

Informal powers

Powers not directly granted by law. The governor's informal powers may follow from powers granted by law but may also come from the governor's persuasive abilities, which are affected by the governor's personality, popularity, and political support.

Signing statements

Announcements made by the president when signing bills into law, often presenting the president's interpretation of the law.

Veto

The president rejects a bill from Congress preventing it from becoming a law.

Pocket veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

White House Staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary. They do not need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Ambassadors

Highest-ranking officials representing a government in a foreign country. President appoints, the Senate must confirm.

Cabinet members

Person appointed by the president to head an executive department of the United States Government. Must be confirmed by the Senate.

Twenty-Second Amendment

Passed in 1951, the amendment that limits presidents to two terms of office.

Formal amendment

A change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states.

Informal Amendment

A change in the meaning, but not the wording, of the Constitution, for example, through a court decision such as Brown v. Board.

State of the Union

An annual speech in which the president addresses Congress to report on the condition of the country and recommend policies.

Agenda setting

Determining which public-policy questions will be debated or considered. The power of the media to bring public attention to particular issues and problems. The president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.

Bully pulpit

The president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.

Judicial review

Review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act.