The executive branch

AP US Gov Pol

What article of the Constitution establishes the presidency?

Article II.

What are the three constitutional requirements to be president?

35 years old, natural-born citizen, U.S. resident for 14 years.

What does “natural-born citizen” mean?

Born in the U.S. or born to a U.S. citizen parent.

How long is a presidential term?

Four years.

What amendment limits presidents to two terms?

22nd Amendment.

What is the maximum number of years a president can serve?

10 years.

Which amendment establishes presidential succession?

25th Amendment.

Who are the first four people in the presidential line of succession?

Vice President → Speaker of the House → President pro tempore → Cabinet secretaries starting with State.

What does the president do as Head of State?

Acts as symbolic leader of the nation; performs ceremonial duties; hosts foreign leaders.

 What does the president do as Head of Government?

Oversees daily operations; appoints cabinet and agency heads.

Who signs treaties for the U.S.?

The President.

What is an executive agreement?

A non-binding agreement between nations.

What is coalition building?

Forming alliances with multiple nations.

 What is an executive order?

 A directive with the force of law that doesn’t require Congress.

What limits exist on executive orders?

 Must be based on existing presidential power and cannot defy congressional intent.

What is executive privilege?

 The right to keep presidential communications confidential.

What did Trump v. U.S. establish?

 Executive immunity for official acts.

Who is the commander of U.S. military forces?

The President.

What does the War Powers Act allow the president to do?

Deploy troops for 60 days without congressional approval.

What is fiscal policy?

Government laws/regulations affecting the economy.

Who drafts the initial federal budget proposal?

The President.

What can the president do regarding trade?

 Create/remove trade agreements or embargoes.

What legislative powers does the president have?

Suggest bills, support bills, veto bills.

What can the president call if Congress is in recess?

A special session.

 What is the State of the Union?

 A required annual report to Congress on national conditions.

Why is the president the leader of their political party?

They hold the highest elected office.

 What is “stumping”?

Giving campaign speeches to support party candidates.

What is the bully pulpit?

Using presidential visibility to push key issues.

 What judicial power does the president have?

Appointing federal judges.

What is a pardon?

Erases a crime and its sentence.

What is a reprieve?

Sentence forgiven, but guilt remains.

What is amnesty?

A pardon/reprieve for a large group.

What are cabinet secretaries?

Heads of major departments who advise the president.

Who is the president’s top aide?

The Chief of Staff.

What does the Press Secretary do?

Communicates with the media.

What does the National Intelligence Director do?

Collects and analyzes security intel from all agencies.

Where does the president live?

The White House.

What is the Oval Office?

The president’s main workspace.

What is the “Resolute Desk”?

Desk made from the British ship HMS Resolute.

 What is the East Wing used for?

First Lady’s office and reception space.

What is the president’s annual salary?

$400,000.

What is Air Force One?

The president’s airplane.

What is “the Beast”?

The president’s limousine.

What is “the Football”?

Case containing nuclear launch codes.

What lifelong benefit does the Secret Service provide?

24/7 protection.

What is Camp David?

 Presidential retreat in Maryland.