The American Presidency: Roles, Powers, and Key Historical Figures

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards reviewing presidential powers, executive branch roles, relevant constitutional principles, historical figures, and landmark legislation.

bargaining and persuasion

An informal tool used by the president to persuade members of Congress to support his or her policy initiatives.

Commander in Chief

President's role as commander of the armed forces.

formal powers

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

executive agreement

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

executive order

A rule issued by the president that has the force of law.

executive privilege

President's power to withhold information or their decision making process from another branch (especially Congress).

informal powers

Powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties.

line-item veto

An executive's ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.

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.

policy agenda

The list of issues that the federal government pays attention to.

signing statements

Explain the president's interpretation of a bill, their understanding of what is expected of them to carry it out, or just a commentary on the law.

veto

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature.

ambassadors

A top diplomat appointed to represent the United States with a foreign nation.

Cabinet

The principal officers in each of the executive departments, essentially an advisory group selected by the president to aid in making decisions.

Chief of Staff

The President's "gatekeeper," responsible for the smooth operation of the White House and the swift and accurate flow of business, paper, and information.

inherent powers

Powers that may not be explicitly listed but are nonetheless within the jurisdiction of the executive.

Joint Chief of Staff

The commanding officers of the armed services who advise the president on military policy.

Federalist No. 70

Argued that there was a need for a strong executive leader (president), especially in times of war and crisis. Having a weak leader or multiple leaders in charge ran the risk of different opinions and not being efficient when quick decisions were needed. Also argued a single executive would be watched more closely while a group would not.

imperial presidency

A powerful executive position guided by a weaker Congress.

Andrew Jackson

7th president of the United States who played a big role in bringing a noticeable shift of presidential power.

Abraham Lincoln

Expanded the presidency as he assumed sweeping presidential powers to save the union to limit slavery.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Became the president during the Great Depression, the most severe economic crisis in history (New Deal).

Theodore Roosevelt

Stretched presidential power in the name of advancing the nation and serving the people.

stewardship theory

T. Roosevelt's approach to governing which presumed that presidential powers are only strictly limited by the actual limits listed in the Constitution.

Twenty-second Amendment

Ratified in 1951, this amendment limits presidents to two terms of office.

George Washington

The leading general of the rebels in the colonies who would eventually be the first president of the united states.

War Powers Act (1973)

Gave any president the power to go to war under certain circumstances, but required that he could only do so for 90 days before being required to officially bring the matter before Congress.

Woodrow Wilson

Was alongside Theodore Roosevelt in stretching presidential power in the name of advancing the nation and serving the people.

bully pulpit

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

State of the Union Address (SOU)

A yearly report by the president to Congress describing the nation's condition and recommending programs and policies.