Executive Branch Concepts and Terms

Resources for Study

  • Unit 2 Notes

  • Crash Course Videos

  • AP Government Review Videos

  • Unit 2 Quizlet

  • Practice questions in AMSCO book

  • Practice questions on AP Classroom

Concepts to Know

Executive Branch

Synonyms for Presidential Actions

  • Pick

  • Appoints

  • Nominate

  • Choose

  • Confirm

  • Ratify

Requirements to be the President

  • Must be 35 years old

  • Must be a natural born US citizen

  • Must have been a resident of the US for 14 years

Federalist No. 70

  • Written by Alexander Hamilton.

  • Advocates for one single executive (one president is best).

  • Advantages of a single executive:

    • Fewer conflicts in decision-making.

    • Faster decisions can be made.

    • Holds accountability.

Roles or “Hats” of the President

  1. Commander in Chief

    • Serves as the head of the military.

  2. Head of State

    • Symbol and face of the nation; performs traditional and entertaining roles.

  3. Chief Executive

    • Head of the executive branch.

    • Carries out laws, passes executive orders, appoints officials.

  4. Chief Legislator

    • Plays a role in the law-making process (signs or vetoes bills).

  5. Director of Foreign Policy

    • Meets with world leaders, makes treaties, and appoints ambassadors.

  6. Economic Guardian

    • Sets the budget every year in collaboration with Congress.

  7. Head of Political Party

    • Supports and endorses candidates from his party.

Powers of the President

Formal vs. Informal Powers

  • Formal Powers

    • Defined within the Constitution and law.

  • Informal Powers

    • Not explicitly stated in the Constitution; arise from tradition, custom, and negotiation.

Actions Related to Legislation

  • The president can:

    • Sign a bill into law

    • Veto a bill

Approval Ratings: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Advantages:

    • Good economy and low unemployment levels can increase ratings.

    • Success in foreign policies can enhance approval.

    • Positive media coverage contributes to higher ratings.

    • The honeymoon period (first few months in office) typically has the highest ratings.

  • Disadvantages:

    • The primary factor leading to low ratings is a bad economy/high unemployment.

Key Concepts Related to Presidential Powers

  • Bully Pulpit:

    • Refers to the president's ability to use their platform to reach a large audience and share opinions or policies (e.g., social media use).

  • Executive Order:

    • Directs the executive branch to implement laws in a faster manner, often when Congress may not pass laws.

  • Executive Privilege:

    • The president does not have to disclose certain information, allowing confidentiality in communications.

  • Executive Agreement:

    • An agreement made by the president that does not require congressional approval (easier than treaties).

  • War Powers Act:

    • Intended to limit the president's ability to send troops into combat without congressional authorization.

    • Allows the president to send troops but requires Congress to authorize military action within 60 days.

  • Pardons:

    • The president has the power to grant pardons, which absolve individuals from legal punishment or conviction.

  • Signing Statements:

    • Comments made by the president about a bill, expressing opinions or concerns regarding certain provisions of the law.

Amendments Related to the Presidency

  1. 12th Amendment:

    • Alters the electoral college process so that votes for president and vice president are cast separately.

  2. 20th Amendment:

    • Moves the inauguration date to January 20, reducing the lame duck period for outgoing presidents.

  3. 22nd Amendment:

    • Limits presidents to serving only 2 terms (4 years each).

  4. 25th Amendment:

    • Establishes procedures for presidential succession and addresses issues related to presidential disability.

The President’s Cabinet

  • Composed of the president's top advisors, who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.