AP GOV Chapter 5

AP American Governement

Executive Branch

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President of the United States. It includes the Vice President, the Cabinet, and various federal agencies.

Formal (or enumerated) Powers

powers expressly granted in the Constitution

Informal Powers

The powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution, which can include the ability to issue executive orders, conduct foreign policy, and influence legislation.

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries that is negotiated by the President and requires Senate approval.

State of Union Address

An annual speech delivered by the President to Congress outlining the administration's agenda and priorities for the coming year.

veto

The constitutional power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law. The bill goes back through Congress for reconsideration with 2/3 from House and Senate needed to override the veto.

Pocket Veto

A special type of veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill into law within ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing its enactment.

Presidential pardon

The authority of the President to forgive or excuse an individual from the legal consequences of a crime, often restoring rights and privileges.

Executive privilege

The right of the President and high-level executive branch officials to withhold information from Congress, the courts, and the public, often to protect sensitive communications and maintain confidentiality.

Executive privilege

is a power claimed by the President to resist certain subpoenas and other interventions by the legislative and judicial branches of government.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the President without Senate approval, often used to manage foreign relations.

Signing statement

written comments used by presidents while signing a bill into law consisting of political statements or reasons for signing the bill but that may also include a president’s interpretation of the law itself.

Executive Order

policy directives issued by presidents that do not require congressional approval

War Powers Resolution

A law passed in 1973 that limits the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in military action without congressional approval within 60 days, requiring notification to Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which a sitting president, vice president, or other federal officials can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office by Congress.

Executive Office of the President

The administrative organization that provides support to the President, including key advisors and staff responsible for various policy areas and executive functions.

Bargaining and persuasion

informal tool used by the president to persuade members of Congress to support his or her policy initiatives

Bully Pulpit

presidential appeals to the public to pressure other branches of government to support his or her policies

going public

A strategy where the President directly appeals to the public to gain support for policies or legislation, often through media and public appearances.