We The People - Chapter 11 Roles and Powers and Checks of and on President

Cabinet

Cabinet

A group of presidential advisers, including the heads of the executive departments, the attorney general, and other officials chosen by the president.

Executive agreement

An international agreement between the president and another country, which does not require the consent of the Senate.

Executive order

A presidential order to the executive branch that carries the force of law. The Supreme Court can rule executive orders unconstitutional.

Pocket Veto

An indirect veto, which the president can use by neither signing or vetoing a bill passed by Congress fewer than 10 days before it adjourns

Signing Statement

A presidential statement upon signing a bill into law, which explains how a president’s administration intends to interpret the law

State of the Union address

The president’s annual message to a joint session of Congress, which includes recommended legislation and evaluations of the nation’s top priorities and economic health.

Veto

The president’s constitutional right to reject a law passed by Congress. Congress may override the president’s veto with a two-thirds vote.

Formal powers of the president

The powers granted to the president as outlined in Article II of the US Constitution, including executive, foreign policy, judicial, and legislative powers.

Executive powers of the president

	Take care that the laws be faithfully executed
	Nominate officials (with Senate confirmation)
	Request written opinions from administrative officials
	Fill administrative vacancies during congressional recesse

Foreing policy powers of the president

	Act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces
	Make treaties (with Senate ratification)
	Nominate ambassadors (with Senate confirmation)
	Receive ambassadors
	Confer diplomatic recognition on other governments

Judicial powers of the president

Grants reprieves and pardons for federal officers (except impeachment)

Nominate federal judges (with senate confirmation)

Legislative powers of the president

	Recommend legislation to Congress
	Present information on the State of the Union to Congress
	Convene Congress on extraordinary occasions
	Adjourn Congress if House and Senate cannot agree
	Veto legislation (Congress may overrule with supermajority)

Informal powers of the president

Additional powers claimed by presidents over the years, such as bargaining and persuasion, issuing executive orders, issuing signing statements, negotiating executive agreements, and setting priorities for Congress.

Presidential nomination

A president’s formal proposal of a candidate to fill a position, such as a cabinet member or Supreme Court justice.

Confirmation

Senate approval of a presidential nomination.

Informal powers: Bargaining and persuasion

Setting priorities for Congress and attempting to get majorities to put through the president’s legislative agenda

Informal powers: inssuing executive orders

Regulations to run the government and direct the bureaucracy

Informal Powers: Issuing siging statements

Giving the president's intended interpretation of bills passed by Congress

Informal Powers: Negotiating executive agreements

Agreements with heads of foreign governments that are not ratified by the Senate