Unit Four: The Executive Branch

Comprehensive Question and Answer flashcards covering the structure, powers, elections, expansion, and congressional oversight of the Executive Branch according to Unit Four lecture notes.

What factors impact the process and outcomes of presidential elections?

Presidential election outcomes are shaped by party nominations, primary systems, campaigning strategies, media influence, and the unique mechanics of the Electoral College.

What electoral advantages do sitting presidents running for re-election enjoy due to incumbency?

They enjoy high name recognition, media access, and the bully pulpit.

What is the distinction between open and closed primaries?

Open primaries allow any registered voter to vote in a party's primary, whereas closed primaries restrict voting strictly to registered members of that party.

What are caucuses in the presidential selection process?

Local meetings of party members where they discuss and vote to select delegates for the national convention.

What takes place at national party conventions?

Large national gatherings where parties officially nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates and set their platform.

What are coattail effects in congressional and state elections?

They occur when down-ballot candidates win elections based on the popularity of the presidential candidate at the top of the ticket.

How is representation determined in the Electoral College system?

Each state is assigned electors based on congressional representation to formally elect the president.

What is the function of professional consultants in modern political campaigns?

They are campaign strategists, pollsters, and media experts hired to run modern political campaigns.

what is an election cycle?

The continuous timeline of fundraising, primaries, conventions, and the general election campaign.

How do modern campaigns utilize social media?

As digital platforms used to target voters, share messaging, and raise funds directly.

What does Article II of the Constitution outline?

The powers, duties, and election of the executive branch.

What modification did the 12th Amendment make to Electoral College balloting?

It revised the Electoral College voting process so that electors cast separate ballots for president and vice president.

What provision was established by the 20th Amendment (Lame-Duck Amendment)?

It set the exact start dates for presidential and congressional terms.

What issues are addressed by the 25th Amendment?

It clarified presidential succession and established procedures for handling presidential disability or incapacitation.

Why is the Electoral College considered controversial regarding democratic representation?

A candidate can win the national popular vote yet lose the presidency in the electoral vote, sparking debates over whether it upholds true popular sovereignty or protects minority state interests.

What is the state popular vote?

The total number of individual votes cast by citizens within an individual state.

What does winning by a plurality mean?

Receiving the most votes cast, even if it falls short of an absolute majority ($50\% + 1$).

How does the winner-take-all electoral system operate in most states?

The candidate who wins a plurality of the state's popular vote wins all of that state's electoral votes.

Who are electors in the Electoral College?

Individuals chosen in each state to represent their state's vote in the Electoral College.

What is the national popular vote?

The total aggregate number of individual votes cast for a candidate across the entire United States.

What is popular sovereignty?

The core democratic principle that political power resides with the people.

What constitutes an electoral mandate?

The perceived authority granted to a winning candidate or party by a significant electoral victory to carry out their agenda.

How is governmental legitimacy defined?

The public's acceptance of the moral right and authority of a government or official to rule.

What factors have contributed to the expansion of presidential power over time?

The inherent nature of a single executive during crises, broad congressional delegations of authority, and the president's ability to shape public opinion.

What administrative benefit does a single executive provide?

An executive branch headed by one individual (the president) allows for swift and decisive action compared to a multi-member body.

What is the constitutional term of office for a U.S. president?

The set duration of 4 years for a president's tenure in office.

What thesis did Alexander Hamilton argue in Federalist 70?

He argued for a vigorous, energetic single executive necessary for national protection and administration.

What limitation did the 22nd Amendment impose on the executive branch?

It limits presidents to serving a maximum of two terms in office.

How do presidential powers create institutional tension with Congress?

Presidents use formal constitutional powers (like vetoes and executive orders) and informal powers (like the bully pulpit and bargaining) to push their agenda, frequently leading to institutional friction with Congress, especially during periods of divided government.

What defines the constitutional or formal powers of the president?

Powers explicitly granted to the president in Article II of the Constitution.

What is the president's duty regarding the enforcement of laws?

The constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

What vote is required by Congress to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds vote in both houses.

What requirement must be met for a president to ratify a treaty?

The treaty negotiated with foreign nations requires Senate ratification.

What is the Commander-in-Chief role of the president?

The president's role as the supreme commander of the U.S. Armed Forces.

What is the purpose of the State of the Union address?

An annual address delivered by the president to Congress outlining their legislative agenda and state of the nation.

What are informal presidential powers?

Powers not explicitly written in the Constitution but claimed by presidents to carry out their duties.

How do executive agreements differ from formal treaties?

Executive agreements are pacts made between the president and foreign leaders that do not require Senate ratification.

What are executive orders?

Directives issued by the president to federal agencies that carry the force of law without congressional approval.

What purpose do presidential signing statements serve?

Statements issued by the president upon signing a bill into law, expressing their interpretation of the legislation.

What does bargaining entail as an informal presidential power?

Negotiating with members of Congress to secure votes for policy priorities.

How does the president utilize persuasion and communication?

Persuasion uses presidential prestige and political capital to convince lawmakers and the public, while communication involves directly addressing the public via media to build support.

What is the bully pulpit?

The president's unique ability to use their office's high visibility to inspire or mobilize the public.

What is the difference between unified and divided government?

Unified government occurs when the same political party controls both the presidency and both houses of Congress, whereas divided government occurs when one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both houses of Congress.

What principle is demonstrated in James Madison's Federalist 51?

It explains how checks and balances and the separation of powers protect against tyranny.

Why do presidential nominations generate conflict with Congress?

The Senate exercises its constitutional check of confirmation and advice, often leading to ideological battles over nominees.

What does the president's appointment [+ removal] power encompass?

The president's power to select federal officials and judges (and remove many executive officers).

What is Senate confirmation?

The constitutional requirement that the Senate must approve presidential appointments.

What tenure do federal judges hold once appointed and confirmed?

They are lifetime-appointed judicial nominees to district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court.

By what means may Congress hold the president accountable?

Congress checks presidential power through the impeachment process, holding committee hearings, conducting investigations, and issuing subpoenas.

What constitutes the House of Representatives' power of impeachment?

The House's power to formally charge a president or federal official with "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."

What vote is required in the Senate to convict and remove an impeached official from office?

A two-thirds vote following a trial.

What is a congressional subpoena?

A legal order requiring individuals to produce documents or testify before Congress.