week5

Bully pulpit

A platform offered to the president from which to shape the nation’s agenda.

Cabinet

A group consisting of the heads of the executive departments, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Chief diplomat

The president’s role as the chief diplomat involves appointing and receiving ambassadors.

Chief executive

The president’s constitutional duty to ensure laws are executed faithfully and to commission all U.S. officers.

Chief legislator

The president can recommend measures to Congress and inform it on the state of the Union.

Commander in Chief

The constitutional role granting the president authority over the nation’s armed forces.

Executive agreements

Formal agreements that presidents make on their own with foreign nations.

Executive Office of the President

The key staff organization created in 1939 to assist the president in coordinating the executive branch.

Executive order

A presidential directive that implements or interprets a law passed by Congress.

Head of government

The highest-ranking executive official in a country.

Head of state

The president’s ceremonial role as representative of the government.

Honeymoon period

The early months of a president's term when support from Congress, the press, and the public is typically higher.

Limited presidency theory (Whig Theory)

The 19th-century belief that the presidency is a constrained office focused on administrative duties.

Party leader

The president serves as their party’s highest elected official and chief policy advocate.

Permanent campaign

A president’s efforts to maintain public support, blurring the lines between campaigning and governing.

Presidential approval ratings

A measure of public approval or disapproval of the president's performance.

Presidential veto

The president's power to reject an act of Congress, which can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both Houses.

Stewardship theory

A theory advocating for a strong presidential role, with authority limited only by law.