Chapter 7: The Presidency

Vocabulary flashcards covering expressed and implied presidential powers, checks and balances, the executive branch structure, and the expansion of presidential influence.

Expressed constitutional powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president in the text of the Constitution, particularly in Article II.

Implied or developed presidential powers

Powers that expanded over time through interpretations of the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, court decisions, and executive practices.

Appointment power

The president's authority to nominate federal officials, including ambassadors, Cabinet secretaries, and federal judges, which is checked by Senate confirmation for major positions.

Veto

The formal rejection of a bill passed by Congress, which Congress can override by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Pocket veto

An indirect veto that occurs when the president leaves a bill unsigned and Congress adjourns in a way that prevents its return, leaving no opportunity for an override.

Pardon

Constitutional clemency power that forgives a federal offense or removes federal legal penalties, but does not apply to state crimes or cases of impeachment.

Commander in chief

The president's constitutional role leading the U.S. armed forces, checked by Congress's power to declare war, fund the military, and regulate armed forces.

Executive order

A directive issued to the executive branch regarding the implementation or administration of policy, which must remain consistent with the Constitution and federal laws.

Executive privilege

A presidential claim that certain confidential communications should be withheld from the public or Congress, which is limited and subject to disclosure orders by the courts.

Signing statement

A written statement issued by the president upon signing a bill that explains how the president interprets the law, though it cannot legally alter the statute.

Treaty

A formal international agreement negotiated by the president that requires the approval of a two-thirds vote of senators present to be ratified.

Executive agreement

An agreement reached with a foreign government that is negotiated without the formal two-thirds Senate ratification process required for treaties.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law passed to limit unchecked presidential military involvement, requiring the president to report hostilities to Congress within $48\text{ hours}$ and withdraw forces within $60\text{ days}$ unless authorized.

Impeachment

A formal accusation brought against a president when the House of Representatives approves articles of impeachment by a majority vote.

Removal

The formal dismissal from office that occurs only if the Senate convicts an official by a two-thirds vote of members present during an impeachment trial.

Cabinet

Advisory body made up of the heads of major executive departments (such as State, Defense, and Treasury) who manage large parts of the federal bureaucracy and generally require Senate confirmation.

White House staff

The president's closest political and policy advisers, including the chief of staff and communications staff, who generally do not require Senate confirmation.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A collection of agencies and specialized offices that directly support the president's work, policy formulation, and administrative decision-making.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

An agency within the Executive Office of the President that prepares the federal budget, reviews agency proposals, and coordinates regulatory priorities, headed by a director confirmed by the Senate.

Vice president

An official elected on the presidential ticket who presides over the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes, and succeeds the president if the presidency becomes vacant.

Going public

A strategy in which the president appeals directly to the public to generate popular support for a policy and pressure Congress to act.

Political capital

The goodwill and influence a president accumulates, which can be spent to persuade lawmakers and the public to support their agenda.

Public approval

The percentage of citizens who express approval of the president's overall performance in office as measured by polls.

New Deal

A sweeping package of economic relief, recovery, and financial reform programs introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s that permanently expanded the power and institutional scope of the presidency.