Chapter 12: The Presidency

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the presidency as outlined in Chapter 12, including the structure, powers, and limitations of the presidential office, as well as historical roles and examples.

Presidency

The most visible position in the U.S. government, empowered to be a strong and vigorous chief executive.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution, through which the president is elected; a candidate must secure 270 electoral votes to win.

Impeachment

The process of charging a government official with serious wrongdoing, as a check against presidential tyranny.

Executive privilege

The ability of the president and other high-level executive branch officers to maintain confidentiality under certain circumstances.

Unilateral powers

Powers exercised by the president without the need for approval from Congress, including executive orders and proclamations.

First hundred days

The initial period of a president's term in office, often used as a measure of effectiveness and public approval.

Going public

A strategy where the president delivers major televised addresses to encourage public support for legislation.

Executive orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.

Cabinet

A group of senior officials in the executive branch, typically heads of government departments who advise the president.

Political scientist Richard Neustadt's theory

The theory that presidential power is fundamentally the power to persuade and build support for policies.

Dual role of the president

The president serves as both the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the military.

Checks and balances

A system that ensures that political power is not concentrated in one branch of government, including limits on presidential power.

Pros and cons of the Electoral College

Advantages include protection of minority interests and promoting a two-party system; disadvantages include potential dissuasion of voter participation and unequal state power.

Role of first ladies

Originally limited to private advisory roles, later evolving into public advocates for social and political issues.

Presidential persuasion

Methods by which a president seeks to influence Congress and the public to gain support for policies.