Chapter 12: The Presidency

22nd Amendment

Ratified in 1951, this amendment limits presidents to 2 terms of office.

25th Amendment

Ratified in 1967, this amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if the vice president and the president's cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.

Impeachment

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution. The House of Representatives may do this to the president by a majority vote for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Watergate

The events and scandal surrounding a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and the subsequent cover-up of White House involvement, leading to the eventual resignation of President Nixon under the threat of impeachment.

Executive Orders

Regulations originating with the executive branch. These are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy.

Cabinet

A group of presidential advisers not mentioned in the Constitution, although every president has one. Today’s version is composed of 14 secretaries, the attorney general, and others designated by the president.

National Security Council

The committee that links the president's foreign and military policy advisers. Its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president's national security assistant.

Council of Economic Advisers

A three member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.

Office of Management and Budget

An office that prepares the president's budget and also advises presidents on proposals from departments and agencies and helps review their proposed regulations.

Veto

The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two-thirds vote in each house can override a veto.

Pocket Veto

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

Presidential Coattails

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president's party because they support the president. Recent studies show that few races are won this way.

War Powers Resolution

A law passed in 1973 (in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia) that requires presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. However, presidents have viewed the resolution as unconstitutional.

Legislation Veto

A vote in Congress to override a presidential decision. Although the War Powers Resolution asserts this authority, there is reason to believe that, if challenged, the Supreme Court would find the legislative veto in violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

Crisis

A sudden, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous event requiring the president to play the role of crisis manager.