Expansion of Presidential Power + Federalist 70

formal powers

Powers expressly granted to the president under Article II of the Constitution. Examples include making treaties, commanding the military, appointing Supreme Court justices, and vetoing legislation.

informal powers

Powers claimed by presidents as necessary in order to execute the law. Examples include issuing executive orders and negotiating executive agreements.

single executive

An executive branch led by a single person.

Twenty-second Amendment (1951)

Applies term limits to the office of the president. No one may be elected president more than twice, or serve as president longer than ten years.

War Powers Act (1973)

Limits the president’s power to deploy US armed forces without congressional approval.

Federalist No. 70

An essay written by Alexander Hamilton arguing that a single executive is the best form for the executive branch, emphasizing quick action and accountability.

energy in the Executive

The necessity for a strong and decisive executive to protect the community and to ensure good governance.

accountability

The responsibility of the president to be answerable to Congress and the people regarding the exercise of their powers.

Executive councils

Groups of individuals serving in an advisory capacity to the president, which Hamilton argues diminish accountability and effectiveness.

republican government

A form of government in which power resides in elected individuals representing the citizen body.

checks and balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful, with each branch having some measure of influence over the other branches.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

executive orders

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

veto power

The authority of the president to reject legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.

impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives can charge the president, vice president, or other civil officers with misconduct.

legislative oversight

The review and monitoring of federal agencies and programs by Congress to ensure compliance with laws and appropriated funding.

executive privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts, based on the need to maintain the confidentiality of conversations within the executive branch.

presidential succession

The order of officials who may act as president if the current president is unable to serve.

supreme court justices

Members of the highest court in the United States, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, who interpret laws and the Constitution.

executive agreements

International agreements made by the president without the need for Senate ratification, typically regarding routine administrative matters.

electoral college

A body of electors established by the Constitution, which formally elects the president and vice president of the United States.

bicameral legislature

A legislative body that has two chambers, such as the United States Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, like states.

judicial review

The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive acts.

direct democracy

A system of governance in which citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.

political parties

Organizations that seek to gain political power by electing candidates to public office.

campaign finance

The funds raised to promote candidates, parties, or policies during an election.

lobbying

The act of attempting to influence government officials to enact or oppose legislation or policies.

civil rights

These are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

executive branch

The branch of government responsible for executing laws, headed by the president.