AP Government Exam Review - Institutions of Government - Executive

Formal Powers of the President

• Veto Power: The ability to reject legislation passed by Congress.
• Command Armed Forces: The president is the Commander-in-Chief of the military.
• Pardoning Power: The president can grant pardons and reprieves.
• Appointment Powers: Authority to appoint federal judges, ambassadors, and other high officials.
• Make Treaties: The president can negotiate treaties with foreign governments (requires Senate confirmation).
• Convene Congress: Power to summon Congress for special sessions.

Informal Powers of the President

• Go Public: Ability to appeal directly to the public to gain support for policies.
• Power of Persuasion: Influence over Congress and the public through negotiation and communication.
• Executive Agreements: Agreements with foreign nations that don’t require Senate approval.
• Executive Orders: Directives issued by the president to manage federal operations.
• Signing Statements: Comments issued by the president at the time of signing legislation, clarifying intentions.
• Bureaucracy Control: Authority to manage and influence federal agencies and departments.
• Legislative Proposals: Ability to suggest or initiate legislation to Congress.

Tension Between President and Congress

• Policy Initiatives and Executive Orders: When the president bypasses legislative processes, Congress may feel sidelined leading to confrontations. Unilateral actions can also result in legal challenges.
• Cabinet Nominations: Conflicts may arise when the Senate, especially if controlled by the opposing party, delays or blocks confirmations of controversial nominees.
• Judicial Nominations: These nominations are contentious as they have long-term implications; opposition parties may resist to limit presidential influence.

Expansion of Presidential Powers

• Use of Formal Powers: Presidents utilize constitutional powers (like appointments) to solidify their authority.
• Use of Informal Powers: Engaging directly with the public and leveraging communication tools (e.g., social media) to bolster their agenda and influence.
• Justification: Presidents assert their actions are necessary for national security and effective governance, often employing executive orders for expediency.

Impact of the 22nd Amendment

• Term Limits: Limits the presidency to two terms or a maximum of ten years to prevent excessive concentration of power.
• Focus on Accomplishments: Forces presidents to be more proactive and results-driven, especially in their last term.

Key Ideas from Hamilton's Federalist No. 70

• Single Executive: Advocates for a strong, singular presidential leadership that can act decisively compared to a collective group.
• Accountability: A single leader is easier to hold accountable for actions and policies.
• National Security: Emphasizes that a powerful presidency is essential for protecting the nation and promoting effective governance.

Bully Pulpit and Policy Agenda

• Direct Communication: The president leverages the bully pulpit to connect with citizens and advocate for policies.
• Evolving Communication Tools: Modern technology, including social media, enables presidents to shape public discourse and mobilize support for policy initiatives.
• Influencing Congress: Public pressure generated can sway legislative action aligned with the presidential agenda.

Role of Bureaucracy

• Implementation of Laws: The bureaucracy administers federal laws, makes regulations, and delivers services (e.g., Social Security).
• Everyday Operations: While Congress and the president make overarching decisions, the bureaucracy handles daily governmental functions.

Impact of Legislation on Bureaucracy

• Pendleton Act/Civil Service Reform Act: Established merit-based hiring for government jobs to enhance professionalism and reduce patronage.
• Hatch Act: Restricts political activities of government employees to maintain neutrality and public trust in federal services.

Types of Bureaucratic Agencies

• Cabinet Departments: Responsible for specific sectors (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Education).
• Independent Agencies: Operate independently from the executive branch, focusing on specific tasks (e.g., NASA, EPA).
• Independent Regulatory Commissions: Set and enforce regulations to protect public interest (e.g., FCC, SEC).
• Government Corporations: Provide essential services typically not profitable for the private sector (e.g., U.S. Postal Service).

Iron Triangles vs. Issue Networks

• Iron Triangles: Stable, mutually beneficial relationships between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees that dominate policymaking areas.
• Issue Networks: More expansive and fluid relationships among various stakeholders in a policy area, including activists, experts, and organizations.

Delegated Discretionary Authority in Bureaucracy

• Bureaucratic agencies are granted the flexibility to interpret laws and create rules as needed to effectively implement federal policies.

Accountability of Bureaucracy

• Congress: Can hold bureaucratic agencies accountable through funding decisions, oversight hearings, and legislative review.
• President: Influences through appointments and directives, often attempting to align bureaucracy with policy goals.
• Judicial/Federal Courts: Ensure legality and adherence to constitutional standards, providing checks on bureaucratic actions and decisions.