Unit 2, Part 2: Interactions Among the Branches- THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Agenda-Setting

The president's ability to shape public discourse and focus attention on specific policy issues through communication strategies.

Appointments

Nominations made by the president for key positions such as Cabinet members, ambassadors, and federal judges.

Bully Pulpit

The president's use of visibility and media presence to influence public opinion and promote their policy agenda.

Commander-in-Chief

The president's formal role as leader of the U.S. armed forces.

Executive Agreements

Informal agreements between the president and foreign leaders that do not require Senate approval.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage operations within the federal government.

Executive-Bureaucratic Directives

Instructions from the president to federal agencies to implement specific policies.

Expansive Presidency

A view that presidential powers should be broadly interpreted to address national challenges.

Federalist No. 70

A Federalist Paper by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a single, strong executive to ensure accountability, energy in execution, and defense against foreign threats.

Formal Powers

Constitutionally granted powers of the president, such as vetoing legislation and serving as commander-in-chief.

Informal Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but used by the president to influence policy, such as bargaining and persuasion.

Life Tenure

The practice of granting federal judges lifetime appointments, ensuring long-term influence by the president.

Limited Presidency

A view that presidential powers should be narrowly interpreted to prevent overreach.

Pocket Veto

A type of veto where the president takes no action on a bill within ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively killing the bill.

Policy Agenda

A set of issues or problems the president prioritizes and aims to address through policymaking.

Senate Confirmation

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

Signing Statements

Written comments issued by the president when signing a bill into law, often explaining their interpretation or intent regarding enforcement.

Social Media

Modern communication platforms used by the president to engage directly with the public and respond rapidly to political issues.

State of the Union Address

An annual speech delivered by the president to Congress, outlining the administration's priorities and legislative goals.

Treaties

Formal agreements between nations requiring Senate approval.

Twenty-Second Amendment

A constitutional amendment limiting the president to two terms in office.

Veto

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, which Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.