AP Gov 2.4 & 2.6 — Roles & Powers of the President

Formal (enumerated) powers

Powers of the president that are explicitly listed in the Constitution, such as vetoing legislation and commanding the military; these are significant because they give the president clear legal authority and can be checked by Congress (ex

Informal powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but gained through tradition, precedent, and public support, such as executive orders and executive agreements; these are significant because they allow presidents to expand influence beyond the Constitution (ex

Selection, Term, & Qualifications

How a president is selected

The president is chosen through an indirect election process where voters vote for electors, and the Electoral College formally elects the president; this is significant because it balances popular sovereignty with federalism.

Presidential term length

A president serves a four-year term; this was limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment, which is significant because it prevents one person from holding power for too long (after FDR’s four terms).

Constitutional qualifications

A president must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the U.S. for 14 years; this is significant because it ensures maturity, loyalty, and national experience.

Federalist No. 70

Topic

The executive branch and presidential power.

Central argument

Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong, energetic executive.

Reasoning

Hamilton believes a single, strong president ensures decisiveness, accountability, and effective enforcement of laws, which is significant because it justifies expanded presidential authority.

Major Powers of the Presidency

Executive & Bureaucratic Appointments

Executive & bureaucratic appointments

The president appoints cabinet members, ambassadors, and federal judges; this is a formal power and significant because it allows the president to shape the bureaucracy and judiciary, though Senate confirmation by a majority vote limits this power.

Treaty Negotiations

Treaty negotiations

The president negotiates treaties with foreign nations; this is a formal power and significant because it shapes foreign policy, but treaties require a 2/3 Senate vote for ratification.

State of the Union Address

State of the Union address

The president delivers an annual speech outlining policy goals; this is an informal power and significant because it sets the legislative agenda and influences public opinion.

Veto

Veto

The president rejects legislation passed by Congress; this is a formal power and significant because it checks Congress, though it can be overridden by a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.

Pocket Veto

Pocket veto

The president indirectly vetoes a bill by not signing it when Congress adjourns within 10 days; this is a formal power and significant because it cannot be overridden by Congress.

Military Command

Military command

The president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces; this is a formal power and significant because it allows rapid military response, though Congress limits it through war declarations and funding.

Presidential Pardon

Presidential pardon

The president forgives federal crimes; this is a formal power and significant because it provides mercy in the justice system, but it does not apply to impeachment cases.

Executive Privilege

Executive privilege

The president can withhold information from Congress or courts; this is an informal power and significant because it protects sensitive communications, though it was limited in United States v. Nixon.

Executive Agreement

Executive agreement

An agreement between the president and a foreign leader without Senate approval; this is an informal power and significant because it allows quicker foreign policy action than treaties.

Signing Statement

Signing statement

A written explanation of how the president interprets a law when signing it; this is an informal power and significant because it can influence how laws are enforced.

Executive Order

Executive order

A rule issued by the president that has the force of law; this is an informal power and significant because it directs executive agencies, though Congress and courts can limit it (ex