Unit 4b: Executive Branch Vocabulary & Concepts - AP US Gov. & Politics

Main Role

Main Role

The executive branch enforces laws through the Presidency and other organizations. Their power comes from Article 2 of the Constitution.

Eligibility Requirements — President or Vice President

35 years old, a native-born citizen of the US, and a resident of the US for at least 14 years.

Responsibilities — Vice President

Presides over the Senate and breaks ties as needed. Diplomatic and Public relations. Advise the President and support their platform. Take over the Presidency in the case of death or disability.

22nd Amendment

Amendment that limited the President to two terms (can be non-consecutive terms).

12th Amendment

Amendment that changed the way the Vice President is elected — it used to be that that the Vice President was the runner-up of the Presidential election, but this changed it so that the Vice President is elected on the same ballot at the President.

Formal Powers

Enumerated powers given to the President in Article 2 of the Constitution (Article 2 — the Executive branch). Ex. Veto & Sign Bills.

Informal Powers

Powers are not laid out in the Constitution that are necessary to carry out Presidential duties (kind of like Implied Powers). Ex. Negotiating with members of Congress.

Chief Executive

The President carries out the laws of the nation and oversees a large and complex system of agencies and bureaucracies.

Cabinet

Consists of the heads of 15 major executive branch departments, the Vice President and the head of other agencies that the President wishes to assign this level status. Most have the title “Secretary.“ Their job is to advise the President. The members are appointed by the Senate.

Chief Diplomat

The President is authorized to make Treaties — An agreement with foreign governments negotiated by the President and requiring 2/3 votes in the Senate to ratify.

The President can also appoint Ambassadors — Official representatives to foreign counties.

*The Senate still has authority to approve all Treaties and Ambassadors.

Commander-In-Chief

The President is the leader of the armed forces. Congress and the President share war powers — Congress declares war, but only the President can commit troops, and they still must notify Congress.

Chief Legislator

Presidents have Legislative Agendas — bills they want to see passed in Congress like tax cuts, healthcare reform, etc. — that they promote to the people.

State of the Union Address

An annual live televised speech given before Congress, members of the Supreme Court, the military, and the entire nation where the President speaks and tries to influence Congress to pass key pieces of his or her agenda (trying to promote their Legislative Agenda).

Pocket Veto

If the President does nothing with a Bill and Congress is not in session, the bill is automatically vetoed after 10 days and cannot be overridden by Congress.

Options of the President with Bills

1) Sign a Bill

2) Veto a Bill (Bill goes back to Congress where it must achieve 2/3 approval in BOTH the House and the Senate to override the President’s veto).

3) Do nothing with a Bill

• If Congress IS in session, the bill automatically becomes a law after 10 days.

• If Congress IS NOT in session, the bill automatically gets vetoed after 10 days and Congress cannot do anything about it.

Head of State

The President is the living symbol of the Nation — greets visiting kings, prime ministers, etc.

Economic Leader

People expect the President to care for the country/s economic prosperity.

Party Leader

The President is generally considered the leader of their political party. Party members work hard to get a President elected and then they gives speeches to support their party and raise money.

Executive Order

A rule or command having the force of the law. Allows the President to bypass Congress; but is could get declared unconstitutional by Congress.

Unilateral Presidential Action

Presidents attempt to influence domestic and foreign policy with few or no constraints by Congress or the Judicial branch.

Pardon

Declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment. Usually Presidents do this RIGHT before they leave office because they might cause controversy.

Reprieve

Order to delay a punishment.

Amnesty

Pardon toward a group of people.

Executive Privilege

A right claimed by Presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts form outside scrutiny, especially that of Congress. Presidents can keep things secret!

Executive Agreements

An agreement between the President and another nation that does not have the same durability as a Treaty but DOES NOT require Senate ratification (like a Treaty — but only last until the end of the President’s term).

Signing Statements

Written comments by the President while signing a bill into law that usually consists of political statements or reasons for signing the bill but may also include the President’s interpretation of the law itself.

War Powers Resolution

Congress passed this to say that the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops and they must be brought home after 60 days if they did not receive Congress’ approval.

Bully Pulpit

The president uses their position as president to speak to the American public. 

Fireside Chats

Effectively using the radio to communicate with the people.

Bureaucrats

Officials employed with government agencies. This includes the President, Vice President, Cabinet, etc.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Works in the West wing of the White House; the President's closest advisers.

Chief of Staff

The most powerful political adviser; controls the President’s schedule and ALWAYS has access to the President. The President rely’s on them more than they rely on the Vice President.

White House Office

Some 500 people; screens the flow of information to the President (includes the Appointment Secretary, the Press Secretary, and the White House Council [President’s lawyer]).

Office of Management Budget & Cabinet.

*Also part of the Executive Office of President (EOP)!

National Security Council

Helps the President coordinate US military and foreign policy; also oversees the C.I.A.

Council of Economic Advisors

Gives the President advice about complex economic matters such as employment, tax policy, inflation, and foreign trade.

Independent Agencies

Responsible for dealing with a certain specialized area within the government (ex. NASA is responsible for the space program).

Government Corporations

Run like private businesses except the government and not private citizens run them. Ex. the Corporations for Public Broadcasting - PBS.

Regulatory Agencies

Created to protect the public by making and enforcing certain rules. Ex. the Environmental Protection Agency - EPA.