Executive Branch Notes

Formal Powers of the President (Article II of the Constitution)
Q: Name three formal powers of the President.
A: Command the armed forces, Grant pardons for federal offenses, Appoint ambassadors, judges, and high officials

Informal Powers of the President
Q: What is an executive order?
A: A formal order issued by the President to direct action by the Federal bureaucracy.

Q: What is executive privilege?
A: The ability to withhold certain information from the public, Congress, and courts.

Q: What is the bully pulpit?
A: The President’s use of media to push their agenda.

Limits to Presidential Power
Q: What does the 22nd Amendment do?
A: Limits the President to two four-year terms.

Q: What does the 25th Amendment do?
A: Addresses the transfer of power if the President cannot carry out duties or dies.

Q: What is the War Powers Act?
A: Requires the President to inform Congress of any military action.

Roles of the President
Q: What is the role of Chief of State?
A: The symbolic leader of the nation, representing the people and performing ceremonial duties.

Q: What is the role of Chief Executive?
A: Enforces laws, runs the government, and grants pardons.

Q: What is the role of Commander in Chief?
A: Leads the military and makes key military decisions.

Q: What is the role of Chief Legislator?
A: Proposes bills, signs/vetoes laws, and delivers the State of the Union Address.

Q: What is the role of Chief Diplomat?
A: Makes U.S. foreign policy, negotiates treaties, and meets with world leaders.

Q: What is the role of Political Party Leader?
A: Leads their political party, appoints party members to positions, and campaigns for candidates.

Federalist Paper #70 (Hamilton)
Q: What did Federalist No. 70 argue?
A: The need for a strong, energetic executive leader for accountability and efficiency.

Organization of the Executive Branch
Q: What are the two constitutional roles of the Vice President?
A: President of the Senate (casts tie-breaking votes), 2nd in line for presidential succession

Q: Who are part of the White House Staff?
A: The closest advisors to the President, often campaign aides.

Q: What is the purpose of the Executive Office of the President?
A: Agencies that help the President accomplish their policy agenda (e.g., OMB, CEA, NSC).

Q: What is the Cabinet?
A: A group of secretaries of executive departments who advise the President.

Q: How do independent/regulatory agencies differ from Cabinet departments?
A: They operate independently, and their heads have fixed terms and can only be removed for cause.