AP Gov Executive Powers
4.6
Bully Pulpit: A platform to influence public opinion, typically used by presidents.
Clemency: The power to pardon or grant reprieve, usually by the president.
Commander-in-Chief: The title given to the president as the top military officer.
Executive Agreement: A pact between the president and a foreign leader or country.
Executive Order: A directive issued by the president that has the force of law.
Executive Privilege: The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts.
Express Powers: Powers specifically granted to the president by the Constitution.
Inherent Powers: Powers claimed by the president that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Implied Powers: Powers inferred from the Constitution.
Impoundment of Funds: The president's refusal to spend money allocated by Congress.
Pardon: The president's power to forgive an individual's crime.
Pocket Veto: A veto that occurs when Congress adjourns before the president has ten days to consider a bill.
Policy Agenda: The president's list of legislative proposals.
Stewardship Theory: The idea that the president should do whatever is necessary to protect the nation.
POTUS: Acronym for "President of the United States."
Presidential Coattails: The idea that a president's popularity can help other candidates of the same party win elections.
Presidential Succession Act (1947): The law that established the order of presidential succession.
Reprieve: The president's power to delay a punishment.
Signing Statements: Statements made by the president when signing a bill into law.
12th Amendment: The amendment that changed the way the Electoral College elects the president and vice president.
20th Amendment: The amendment that changed the start and end dates of the terms of the president and Congress.
22nd Amendment: The amendment that limits the president to two terms.
23rd Amendment: The amendment that gave the District of Columbia electoral votes.
25th Amendment: The amendment that outlines the process for presidential succession and the transfer of power during a presidential disability.
Veto: The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.
Imperial Presidency: A term used to describe a president with too much power.
Article II: The article of the Constitution that outlines the powers of the president.
Federalist #70: An essay by Alexander Hamilton that argues for a strong executive branch.
4.7
Checks and Balances: The system that ensures each branch of government has equal power.
Formal Check: A power explicitly granted to one branch of government to limit another branch's power.
Informal Check: A power that is not explicitly granted but is used to limit another branch's power.
Fourth Branch of Government: A term used to describe non-government organizations (NGOs) that influence government policy.
4.8
Chief Executive: The president's role as the head of the executive branch.
Formal Powers: Powers specifically granted to the president by the Constitution.
Informal Powers: Powers inferred from the Constitution.
4.9
War-making Powers: The president's power to declare war.
War Powers Resolution (1973): A law that limits the president's ability to commit U.S. forces to combat without Congressional approval.
4.10
Ad Hoc Model: A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes flexibility.
Cabinet: A group of advisors to the president.
Chief of Staff: The president's top aide.
Hub and Spoke Model: A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes centralized control.
Office of Economic Advisers: A group of economists who advise the president on economic policy.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The president's budget office.
National Security Adviser: The president's top adviser on national security.
National Security Council (NSC): A group of advisors to the president on national security.
Press Secretary: The president's spokesperson.
Pyramid Model: A model of presidential decision-making that emphasizes hierarchy.
United States Ambassador to the United Nations: The president's representative to the United Nations.
West Wing: The part of the White House where the president's office is located.
White House Counsel: The president's legal advisor.
4.11
"Advice and Consent": The Senate's power to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties.
Confirmation Process: The process by which the Senate approves or rejects presidential appointments and treaties.
Line of Succession: The order of people who would become president if the president and vice president were unable to serve.
Recess Appointment: An appointment made by the president while the Senate is in recess.
Patronage: The power to appoint people to government positions.
Separation of Powers: The idea that each branch of government should have its own powers and responsibilities.
4.12
Censure: A formal reprimand of a president by Congress.
House Managers: Members of the House of Representatives who present the case for impeachment to the Senate.
Impeachment: The process by which a president can be removed from office.
Lame Duck: A president who is about to leave office.
4.13
Bureaucracy: The administrative system of government.
Bureaucrat: A government employee.
Civil Service Examination: A test that government employees must pass to get a job.
Competitive Service: The part of the civil service that requires a test.
Discretionary Authority: The power to make decisions.
Federal Bureaucracy: The administrative system of the federal government.
Independent Regulatory Agencies: Government agencies that are not controlled by the president.
Iron Triangle: A close relationship between government agencies, Congress, and interest groups.
Red Tape: Bureaucratic rules and regulations.
4.14
Bureaucrats: Government employees.
Department of Homeland Security: A department of the federal government responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A law that allows people to request information from the federal government.
Hatch Act: A law that limits the political activities of government employees.
Merit System: A system of hiring based on qualifications.
National Performance Review: A program to improve the efficiency of the federal government.
Office of Personnel Management: The agency that oversees the federal government's workforce.
Pendleton Act: A law that established the merit system for federal employees.
Regulations: Rules made by government agencies.
Revolving Door: The movement of government employees between government jobs and jobs in the private sector.
Whistleblower Protection Act: A law that protects government employees who report wrongdoing.
4.15
Issues Network: A network of people who work together on a specific issue.