DE Gov Executive

executive branch

the branch responsible for carrying out federal laws

president

the head of the executive branch and the nation’s chief executive

Article 2

the part of the constitution that establishes the presidency and executive power

commander in chief

the president’s constitutional role as leader of the armed forces

veto

the president’s rejection of a bill passed by congress

pocket veto

a bill dies when the president does not sign it and Congress adjourns during the constitutional review period

pardon

presidential forgiveness for a federal offense

treaty

a formal international agreement negotiated by the president that requires Senate approval

appointment power

the president’s power to nominate judges, ambassadors, Cabinet officers, and many other officials

advice and consent

the senate’s constitutional role in approving many presidential appointments and treaties

state of the union

the president’s constitutionally required report to Congress on national conditions and priorities

take care clause

requires the president to faithfully execute federal laws

executive order

a presidential directive to executive-branch officials based on existing constitutional or statutory authority

executive agreement

an international agreement made by the executive without using the Senate treaty-approval process

signing statement

a written presidential explanation of how the president interprets or plans to implement a new law

executive privilege

the president’s claim that some executive communications should remain confidential

formal powers

presidential powers directly grounded in the Constitution or federal law

informal powers

presidential influence that comes from politics, leadership, precedent, or control of the executive branch

goign public

the president appealing to citizens to build political pressure for a policy

electoral college

the constitutional system used to formally elect the president

22nd amendment

the amendment that generally limits a president to two elected terms

25th amendment

the amendment establishing procedures for presidential disability and filling a vice-president vacancy

divided government

a situation in which the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different parties

war powers resolution

a federal law intended to limit prolonged presidential military action without congressional involvement