AP Gov Presidency Vocab (Ch. 5 Waples)

Executive branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing and carrying out the laws, headed by the president

Article II, Section 2

The constitutional provision outlining the president’s powers, including commander in chief, treaties, appointments, and pardons

Federalist 70

Hamilton’s essay arguing for a strong, energetic executive to ensure effective leadership

Formal/Enumerated Powers

Powers of the president explicitly stated in the Constitution

Informal powers

Powers not listed in the Constitution but derived from custom, precedent, and political influence

Presidential pardons

The president’s power to forgive a federal crime and eliminate punishment

Commutations

Reductions of a criminal sentence without removing the conviction

Reprieves

Temporary delays in the execution of a sentence

Divided government

When the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different parties

Unified government

When the presidency and both chambers of Congress are controlled by the same party

Gridlock

Legislative deadlock that occurs when political divisions prevent action

Executive privilege

The president’s ability to withhold information from Congress or the courts for national security or confidentiality

Executive agreement

A binding international agreement made by the president without Senate approval

Signing statement

A written statement issued by the president when signing a bill, explaining how it will be interpreted or enforced

Executive order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law

State of the Union Address

The president’s annual speech to Congress outlining policy goals and national priorities

Treaty

A formal international agreement negotiated by the president and ratified by a two-thirds vote of the Senate

Veto

The president’s power to reject legislation passed by Congress

Pocket veto

An indirect veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill and Congress adjourns within ten days

Veto Message

The president’s formal explanation to Congress for rejecting a bill

Authorized Use of Military Force

A congressional resolution allowing the president to use military force without a formal declaration of war

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964)

A congressional resolution granting President Johnson broad military authority in Vietnam

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law limiting the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval beyond 60 days

Impeachment

The formal process by which Congress charges and potentially removes a president for misconduct

Impoundment

The president’s refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress

Line-item veto

The ability to reject specific parts of a spending bill, ruled unconstitutional for presidents

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies and advisors that assist the president in carrying out duties

Bargaining and persuasion

A president’s use of negotiation and influence to shape legislation and policy

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the office to draw public attention to issues

Going public

A strategy in which the president appeals directly to the public to influence Congress

Electoral College

The system used to formally elect the president based on state electoral votes

“Imperial president”

A president who exercises excessive power beyond constitutional limits

“Pitiful, helpless giant”

A description of a weakened presidency constrained by Congress and public distrust

12th Amendment

Established separate electoral votes for president and vice president

20th Amendment

Changed inauguration dates and clarified presidential succession

22nd Amendment

Limited presidents to two elected terms

23rd Amendment

Granted Washington, D.C. electoral votes in presidential elections

25th Amendment

Established procedures for presidential succession and disability

US v. Nixon (1974)

Ruled that executive privilege is limited and the president must comply with judicial subpoenas

US v. Texas (2016)

Upheld limits on executive power by blocking a presidential immigration policy

Trump v. Hawaii (2018)

Upheld the president’s authority to restrict immigration for national security reasons

Trump v. US (2024)

Established that presidents have immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office

Train v. City of NY (1975)

Ruled that the president cannot refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress

Clinton v. Jones (1997)

Ruled that a sitting president is not immune from civil lawsuits for actions taken before office

Clinton v. City of NY (1998)

Ruled the line-item veto unconstitutional

Guantanamo cases (2004–2008)

A series of cases affirming that detainees have due process rights and access to U.S. courts