The Executive Branch

what the title says

Presidency

A leadership role that the founders created, aimed to be neither too strong nor too weak.

Constitutional powers of the presidency

Powers that are briefly stated and vague in the Constitution.

Presidential qualifications

Natural born US citizen, at least 35 years old, and has lived in the US for at least 14 years.

Maximum years a president can serve

8 years.

Presidential salary

$400,000.

Presidential benefits

Includes Secret Service protection, access to a swimming pool, and meals anytime.

Role of the Vice-President

Tiebreaker in the Senate.

Speaker of the House.

Next in line of succession after the Vice-President

Constitutional powers of the president

Includes vetoing bills, Commander-in-Chief of the military, negotiating treaties, appointing federal officials and judges, granting pardons and reprieves, convening and adjourning Congress in special cases, executing and enforcing laws, and recognizing foreign governments.

Main roles of the president

Chief Executive, Chief Diplomat, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Legislator, Chief of State, Chief Administrator, Chief of Party, Chief Citizen.

Foreign policy tools available to the president

Military, FBI, CIA, federal agencies, diplomats.

Role of the Executive Office of the President

Supports the president in policy-making and administration.

Role of the Cabinet

Advises the president and runs executive departments.

Functions of the Federal Bureaucracy

Implements laws, regulates industries, administers programs.

Civil Service

Non-political government employees who implement policies.

Limits on presidential power

Includes separation of powers, constitutional checks and balances, and federalism.

Bully pulpit

The use of the presidency to influence public opinion and policy.

Why the Cabinet is not an effective advisory body

Due to conflicting interests, loyalty to departments, and its large size.

Role of the White House Staff

The president’s most important advisory body providing information, policy options, and analysis.

Presidential personality and temperament

Affects the ability to achieve goals through charisma, public appeal, and communication skills.

Key to successfully exerting presidential power

The ability to persuade and negotiate.

Importance of public approval rating

Affects political leverage, reelection chances, and influence.

When a president’s influence is at its peak

During the "honeymoon" period and during a national emergency.

Divided government

One party controls the presidency while another controls Congress.

Executive privilege

The right to withhold information from Congress and courts.

Impact of United States v Nixon on executive privilege

Limited executive privilege; the president must comply with subpoenas.

Procedure to impeach a president

House impeaches with a majority vote.

Procedure to remove a president

Senate holds trial needing a 2/3 vote for removal.

Who ratifies treaties negotiated by the president

The Senate with a 2/3 vote.

Who approves the President’s Cabinet and Supreme Court nominations

The Senate.

Effects of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Expanded war powers.

Effects of the War Powers Resolution

Limited military actions without Congress.

Effects of the National Emergencies Act

Regulated emergency powers.

Effects of the 22nd Amendment

Limited presidents to two terms.

Effects of the 25th Amendment

Clarified presidential succession.

Decider if the president is seriously ill and wants to remain in office

Congress decides if the VP and Cabinet disagree.

Veto

President rejects a bill.

Pocket veto

President ignores a bill; it dies if Congress adjourns.

Executive order

Directive with the force of law without Congress approval.