AP Gov Executive Powers

Bully Pulpit

A platform to influence public opinion, typically used by presidents.

Clemency

The power to pardon or grant reprieve, usually by the president.

Commander-in-Chief

The title given to the president as the top military officer.

Executive Agreement

A pact between the president and a foreign leader or country.

Executive Order

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

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Express Powers

Powers specifically granted to the president by the Constitution.

Inherent Powers

Powers claimed by the president that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers inferred from the Constitution.

Impoundment of Funds

The president's refusal to spend money allocated by Congress.

Pardon

The president's power to forgive an individual's crime.

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when Congress adjourns before the president has ten days to consider a bill.

Policy Agenda

The president's list of legislative proposals.

Stewardship Theory

The idea that the president should do whatever is necessary to protect the nation.

POTUS

Acronym for "President of the United States."

Presidential Coattails

The idea that a president's popularity can help other candidates of the same party win elections.

Presidential Succession Act (1947)

The law that established the order of presidential succession.

Reprieve

The president's power to delay a punishment.

Signing Statements

Statements made by the president when signing a bill into law.

12th Amendment

The amendment that changed the way the Electoral College elects the president and vice president.

20th Amendment

The amendment that changed the start and end dates of the terms of the president and Congress.

22nd Amendment

The amendment that limits the president to two terms.

23rd Amendment

The amendment that gave the District of Columbia electoral votes.

25th Amendment

The amendment that outlines the process for presidential succession and the transfer of power during a presidential disability.

Veto

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Imperial Presidency

A term used to describe a president with too much power.

Article II

The article of the Constitution that outlines the powers of the president.

Federalist #70

An essay by Alexander Hamilton that argues for a strong executive branch.

Checks and Balances

The system that ensures each branch of government has equal power.

Formal Check

A power explicitly granted to one branch of government to limit another branch's power.

Informal Check

A power that is not explicitly granted but is used to limit another branch's power.

Fourth Branch of Government

A term used to describe non-government organizations (NGOs) that influence government policy.

Chief Executive

The president's role as the head of the executive branch.

Formal Powers

Powers specifically granted to the president by the Constitution.

Informal Powers

Powers inferred from the Constitution.

War-making Powers

The president's power to declare war.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law that limits the president's ability to commit U.S. forces to combat without Congressional approval.

Ad Hoc Model

A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes flexibility.

Cabinet

A group of advisors to the president.

Chief of Staff

The president's top aide.

Hub and Spoke Model

A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes centralized control.

Office of Economic Advisers

A group of economists who advise the president on economic policy.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The president's budget office.

National Security Adviser

The president's top adviser on national security.

National Security Council (NSC)

A group of advisors to the president on national security.

Press Secretary

The president's spokesperson.

Pyramid Model

A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes hierarchy.

United States Ambassador to the United Nations

The president's representative to the United Nations.

West Wing

The part of the White House where the president's office is located.

White House Counsel

The president's legal advisor.

"Advice and Consent"

The Senate's power to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties.

Confirmation Process

The process by which the Senate approves or rejects presidential appointments and treaties.

Line of Succession

The order of people who would become president if the president and vice president were unable to serve.

Recess Appointment

An appointment made by the president while the Senate is in recess.

Patronage

The