AP Government and Politics Chapter 5-The Executive Branch (Presidency)

ambassadors

A diplomat sent from another country in an effort to make peace or continue peace

bully pulpit

A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue. (Media in the case of the president)

Cabinet

A body of persons appointed by a head of state or a prime minister to head the executive departments of the government and to act as official advisers.

chief of staff

The person who is named to direct the White House Office and advise the president.

Clinton v. City of New York (1998)

Struck down the Line-Item Veto Act and prevented the president from using a line-item veto

commander in chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the National Guard units when they are called into federal service.

executive agreement

Resembles a treaty but isn't, depends on the willingness to keep peace between both countries

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Has responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the President's message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad. Overseen by the White House Chief of Staff, has traditionally been home to many of the President's closest advisers.

executive order

A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.

executive privilege

The privilege, claimed by the president for the executive branch of the US government, of withholding information in the public interest

honeymoon period

First days and months after a president is sworn in and the general public is more forgiving and hopeful for the president's agenda

impeachment

To charge (a public official) with improper conduct in office before a proper tribunal

imperial presidency

Describes a president who acts without consulting Congress or acts in secrecy to evade or deceive Congress

inherent powers

Not explicitly listed in the Constitution, but are essentially in the jurisdiction of the president.

lame duck period

Begins after selection of new president but before the old one leaves

line-item veto

The power of an executive to veto individual lines or items within a piece of legislation without vetoing the entire bill.

Line-Item Veto Act (1996)

Allowed the president to utilize the line-item veto

National Security Council

The President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

Office of Management and Budget

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is an agency of the federal government that evaluates, formulates, and coordinates management procedures and program objectives within and among departments and agencies of the Executive Branch.

pocket veto

A special veto power exercised by the chief executive after a legislative body has adjourned. Bills not signed by the chief executive die after a specified period of time. If Congress wishes to reconsider a bill, it must be reintroduced in the following session of Congress.

Presidential Succession Act (1947)

Allowed for the Speaker of the House to take over as president if there is no vice president.

recess appointments

When a person is chosen by the president to fill a position, such as ambassadorship or head of the department, while the Senate is not in session, thereby bypassing Senate approval. unless approved by a subsequent Senate vote...these appointees serve only to the end of the congressional term

signing statements

Explanation of a president's interpretation of a particular bill

State of the Union

Yearly address given to Congress each January by the president

stewardship theory

Presumes that presidential powers are only strictly limited by the actual limits listed in the Constitution

12th Amendment

Each elector gets one vote for and one vote for vice president

20th Amendment

Moved inauguration date to January 20 from March 4

22nd Amendment

Prevents any president from serving more than 2 terms

23rd Amendment

Allowed for presidential electors for D.C.

25th Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution adopted in 1967 that establishes procedures for filling vacancies in the two top executive offices and that makes provisions for situations involving presidential disability.

veto

The Constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. Can be overridden with a 2/3rds vote

War Powers Act (1973)

A federal law introduced to check the power of the President in committing the U.S. to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress

White House Staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary