AP GOVERNMENT UNIT 5 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

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US Executive Branch (President)

Supports: Strong national leadership
Definition: Branch that enforces laws + leads government + manages foreign policy
🔥 Hook: “Exec executes — law recruits.”

Presidential Qualifications

Supports: Constitutional requirements
Must be:

• Natural-born citizen

• 35+ years old

• 14+ years U.S. resident
  🔥 Hook: “Born here, old enough, live here long — that’s the presidential song.”

Formal Powers of the President

Supports: Executive authority from Constitution
Examples:

• Commander in Chief

• Veto bills

• Sign laws

• Appoint judges/officials

• Grant pardons
  🔥 Hook: “Written power makes leaders tower.”

Informal Powers of the President

Supports: Modern presidential expansion
Examples:

• Executive orders

• Executive agreements

• Bully pulpit (media influence)

• Agenda setting
  🔥 Hook: “Not written, but still smitten with power.”

War Powers Resolution (1973)

Supports: Congressional control over war
Definition: President must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action; limits engagement to 60–90 days without approval
AP Idea: Congress tries to rein in presidential war power
🔥 Hook: “President fights, Congress writes the rights.”

22nd Amendment

Supports: Limits executive power
Definition: President limited to two terms (8 years max)
AP Idea: Prevents long-term executive dominance
🔥 Hook: “Two terms done — power won’t run.”

25th Amendment

Supports: Government continuity
Definition: Handles presidential disability, succession, or removal
AP Idea: VP becomes acting president if needed
🔥 Hook: “If leader falls, VP calls.”

Nixon v. United States (1993)

Supports: Judicial limits on interference in impeachment process
Definition: Courts cannot review Senate impeachment procedures
AP Idea: Reinforces separation of powers
🔥 Hook: “Impeachment rule? Courts stay cool.”

Executive vs Legislative Checks

Congress checks President:

• Overrides veto

• Controls budget

• Confirms appointments

• Declares war

• Impeaches/removes president

🔥 Hook: “Congress can block the presidential rock.”

Executive vs Judicial Checks

Courts check President:

• Judicial review (strike executive actions)

• Rule executive orders unconstitutional

• Hear cases involving executive power

🔥 Hook: “Courts decide if power is applied right.”

President checks Congress:

• Veto bills

• Call special sessions

• Issue executive orders (policy without Congress)

🔥 Hook: “President says no → Congress must grow.”